SWAN vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SWAN (Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - SWAN is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the S-Network BlackSwan Core Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SWAN returned 3.05%/yr vs 17.08%/yr for GLD. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SWAN charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

SWAN vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) 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, SWAN achieves a 3.83% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -2.47% return.

SWAN

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 3.83%
• 6M: 3.97%
• 1Y: 15.52%
• 3Y*: 12.40%
• 5Y*: 3.05%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: -7.37%
• YTD: -2.47%
• 6M: -2.25%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 17.08%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

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

SWAN vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SWAN Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF	3.83%	13.93%	13.44%	12.07%	-27.77%	10.55%	16.17%	22.03%	-2.27%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-2.47%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	4.19%

Correlation

The correlation between SWAN and GLD is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2018	0.25

Return for Risk

SWAN vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWAN

SWAN Risk / Return Rank: 50
SWAN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SWAN Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SWAN Omega Ratio Rank: 49
SWAN Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
SWAN Martin Ratio Rank: 53

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 26
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 30
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

SWAN vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SWAN	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.87	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	1.24	+0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.18	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	0.98	+1.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.04	2.81	+5.23

SWAN vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWAN Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWAN 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.

Drawdowns

SWAN vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWAN drawdown since its inception was -31.04%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWAN and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWAN	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.04%	-45.56%	+14.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.05%	-24.46%	+17.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.07%	-24.46%	+12.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.04%	-24.46%	-6.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-22.05%	+20.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.85%	-16.16%	+7.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.83%	8.49%	-6.66%

Volatility

SWAN vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is 3.95%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 7.79%. This indicates that SWAN 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

	SWAN	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	7.79%	-3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.78%	24.10%	-16.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.78%	27.37%	-17.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.39%	18.22%	-6.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.49%	16.08%	-3.59%

SWAN vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWAN has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

SWAN vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

SWAN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SWAN Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF	2.83%	2.86%	2.54%	2.98%	2.12%	5.04%	1.64%	3.69%	0.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWAN and GLD in my portfolio?

SWAN and GLD have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWAN or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (7.79%) compared to SWAN (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWAN dropped -31.04% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, SWAN or GLD?

On 5-year performance, GLD leads with 17.08% vs 3.05% for SWAN. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SWAN has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SWAN or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, GLD has performed better with a 17.08% return vs 3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SWAN or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for SWAN.

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

SWAN has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between SWAN and GLD?

SWAN is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while GLD is Gold. SWAN tracks S-Network BlackSwan Core Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Amplify and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for SWAN and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWAN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.87), 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.