USMF vs. GDX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

USMF (WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund) and GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USMF is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree US Multifactor Index, while GDX is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USMF returned 8.31%/yr vs 19.97%/yr for GDX. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USMF charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for GDX.

Performance

USMF vs. GDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund (USMF) 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, USMF achieves a 6.65% return, which is significantly higher than GDX's -0.58% return.

USMF

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: 5.30%
• YTD: 6.65%
• 6M: 6.40%
• 1Y: 9.68%
• 3Y*: 13.99%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: —

GDX

• 1D: 6.55%
• 1M: -2.38%
• YTD: -0.58%
• 6M: 1.22%
• 1Y: 57.71%
• 3Y*: 41.18%
• 5Y*: 19.97%
• 10Y*: 13.81%

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

USMF vs. GDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USMF WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund	6.65%	4.60%	19.65%	13.47%	-8.82%	21.26%	12.01%	24.06%	-4.72%	11.27%
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	-0.58%	154.77%	10.63%	9.98%	-9.01%	-9.52%	23.66%	39.84%	-8.77%	0.72%

Correlation

The correlation between USMF and GDX is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 24, 2017	0.22

Return for Risk

USMF vs. GDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMF

USMF Risk / Return Rank: 28
USMF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
USMF Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
USMF Omega Ratio Rank: 24
USMF Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
USMF Martin Ratio Rank: 32

GDX

GDX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
GDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
GDX Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
GDX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

USMF vs. GDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund (USMF) 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.

	USMF	GDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	1.23	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	1.65	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.23	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	1.60	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.47	4.39	+0.08

USMF vs. GDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USMF Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is comparable to the GDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USMF 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

USMF vs. GDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMF drawdown since its inception was -36.24%, smaller than the maximum GDX drawdown of -80.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMF and GDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMF	GDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.24%	-80.34%	+44.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-36.28%	+29.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.39%	-36.28%	+20.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.10%	-46.51%	+28.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-26.39%	+26.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-40.41%	+36.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.17%	13.22%	-11.05%

Volatility

USMF vs. GDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund (USMF) is 4.10%, while VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has a volatility of 18.56%. This indicates that USMF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USMF	GDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.10%	18.56%	-14.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.13%	39.52%	-31.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.31%	47.30%	-35.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.34%	36.86%	-22.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.97%	37.37%	-20.40%

USMF vs. GDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMF has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is lower than GDX's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

USMF vs. GDX - Dividend Comparison

USMF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than GDX's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF	0.74%	0.74%	1.19%	1.61%	1.66%	1.67%	0.53%	0.67%	0.50%	0.76%	0.26%	0.85%
USMF WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund	1.29%	1.37%	1.22%	1.33%	1.74%	1.42%	1.34%	1.38%	1.45%	0.67%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMF and GDX in my portfolio?

USMF and GDX have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USMF or GDX?

GDX has higher volatility (18.56%) compared to USMF (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USMF dropped -36.24% vs GDX's -80.34%.

Which ETF is better, USMF or GDX?

On 5-year performance, GDX leads with 19.97% vs 8.31% for USMF. On fees, USMF is cheaper at 0.28% per year. On volatility, USMF has been the lower-risk option at 4.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USMF or GDX?

Over the 5-year period, GDX has performed better with a 19.97% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMF or GDX?

USMF is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for GDX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USMF or GDX?

USMF has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 0.74% for GDX.

What is the main difference between USMF and GDX?

USMF is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while GDX is Gold. USMF tracks WisdomTree US Multifactor Index, while GDX tracks NYSE MarketVector Global Gold Miners Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for USMF and 0.51% for GDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.86), 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.