SRLN vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SRLN (SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - SRLN is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Leveraged Loan Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SRLN returned 4.52%/yr vs 13.12%/yr for GLD. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SRLN charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

SRLN vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SRLN achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's 2.92% return. Over the past 10 years, SRLN has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of 4.52%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 13.12% annualized return.

SRLN

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 1.43%
• 1Y: 5.57%
• 3Y*: 7.88%
• 5Y*: 4.62%
• 10Y*: 4.52%

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SRLN vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SRLN SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF	0.68%	6.77%	8.43%	11.62%	-5.30%	4.49%	3.13%	10.03%	-0.66%	3.39%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between SRLN and GLD is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.12
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 5, 2013	0.08

SRLN vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SRLN	GLD
Communication Services	91.8%	-
Industrials	8.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SRLN vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SRLN

SRLN Risk / Return Rank: 52
SRLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SRLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SRLN Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SRLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
SRLN Martin Ratio Rank: 39

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SRLN vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	SRLN	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.21	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	1.60	+1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.24	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.71	1.68	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.35	4.15	+2.20
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SRLN vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SRLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SRLN and GLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SRLN	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	1.21	+0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.19	1.01	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	0.83	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.60	+0.10

Drawdowns

SRLN vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SRLN drawdown since its inception was -22.29%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SRLN and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SRLN	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.29%	-45.56%	+23.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-19.21%	+15.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.26%	-19.21%	+14.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.93%	-21.03%	+13.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.29%	-22.00%	-0.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-17.75%	+17.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.10%	-16.16%	+15.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	7.73%	-6.85%

Volatility

SRLN vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (SRLN) is 0.44%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 5.51%. This indicates that SRLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SRLN	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.44%	5.51%	-5.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	23.16%	-20.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.89%	26.61%	-23.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.91%	18.00%	-14.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.06%	15.95%	-9.89%

SRLN vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SRLN has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SRLN vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

SRLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.49%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SRLN SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF	7.49%	7.67%	8.58%	8.44%	5.72%	4.45%	4.91%	5.39%	4.98%	4.01%	3.94%	4.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SRLN and GLD in my portfolio?

SRLN and GLD have a correlation of 0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SRLN or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (5.51%) compared to SRLN (0.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SRLN dropped -22.29% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, SRLN or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 13.12% vs 4.52% for SRLN. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SRLN has been the lower-risk option at 0.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SRLN or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 13.12% return vs 4.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SRLN or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for SRLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SRLN or GLD?

SRLN has the higher dividend yield at 7.49%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between SRLN and GLD?

SRLN is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while GLD is Gold. SRLN tracks Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Leveraged Loan Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for SRLN and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SRLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.21), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.