USERX vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

USERX (U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both Gold funds. Over the past 10 years, USERX returned 13.72%/yr vs 12.89%/yr for GDX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USERX charges 1.52%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

USERX vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USERX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USERX achieves a -3.46% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -5.05% return. Over the past 10 years, USERX has outperformed GDX with an annualized return of 13.72%, while GDX has yielded a comparatively lower 12.89% annualized return.

USERX

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: -3.08%
• YTD: -3.46%
• 6M: -6.89%
• 1Y: 66.56%
• 3Y*: 44.70%
• 5Y*: 18.24%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

GDX

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: -4.21%
• YTD: -5.05%
• 6M: -9.69%
• 1Y: 56.88%
• 3Y*: 41.48%
• 5Y*: 20.52%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

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

USERX vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USERX U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund	-3.46%	167.44%	16.75%	1.44%	-17.44%	-10.80%	37.16%	51.34%	-14.24%	13.07%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-5.05%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	11.99%

Correlation

The correlation between USERX and GDX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2006	0.93

The correlation between USERX and GDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USERX vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USERX

USERX Risk / Return Rank: 23
USERX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
USERX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
USERX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
USERX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
USERX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 32
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 34
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

USERX vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USERX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). 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.

	USERX	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.21	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	1.63	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.22	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	1.58	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.52	4.19	+0.33

USERX vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USERX Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USERX and GDX, 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

USERX vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USERX drawdown since its inception was -97.74%, which is greater than GDX's maximum drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USERX and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USERX	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.74%	-80.34%	-17.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.89%	-36.28%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.89%	-36.28%	-0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.91%	-46.51%	+5.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.45%	-49.79%	+6.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.21%	-29.70%	-17.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-75.01%	-40.40%	-34.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.05%	13.62%	+0.43%

Volatility

USERX vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund (USERX) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) have volatilities of 17.10% and 17.03%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USERX	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.10%	17.03%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	39.31%	39.77%	-0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	46.47%	47.49%	-1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.74%	36.83%	-3.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.20%	37.39%	-3.19%

USERX vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USERX has a 1.52% expense ratio, which is higher than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

USERX vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

USERX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.01%, more than GDX's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.78%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
USERX U.S. Global Investors Gold & Precious Metals Fund	6.01%	2.95%	1.48%	0.00%	0.00%	2.13%	2.68%	0.00%	1.76%	0.00%	0.88%	0.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USERX and GDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, USERX and GDX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, USERX or GDX?

USERX has higher volatility (17.10%) compared to GDX (17.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USERX dropped -97.74% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USERX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 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.