UVIX vs. GLL

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

UVIX (2x Long VIX Futures ETF) and GLL (ProShares UltraShort Gold) are both exchange-traded funds - UVIX is a Volatility fund tracking the Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily), while GLL is a Leveraged Commodities fund tracking the Bloomberg Gold (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, UVIX returned -80.89%/yr vs -38.14%/yr for GLL. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UVIX charges 2.78%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for GLL.

Performance

UVIX vs. GLL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and ProShares UltraShort Gold (GLL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UVIX achieves a -37.30% return, which is significantly lower than GLL's 4.59% return.

UVIX

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: -22.34%
• YTD: -37.30%
• 6M: -39.53%
• 1Y: -84.89%
• 3Y*: -80.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLL

• 1D: 5.97%
• 1M: 25.98%
• YTD: 4.59%
• 6M: 12.64%
• 1Y: -38.04%
• 3Y*: -38.14%
• 5Y*: -27.61%
• 10Y*: -20.80%

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

UVIX vs. GLL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
UVIX 2x Long VIX Futures ETF	-37.30%	-83.21%	-75.24%	-95.28%	-61.86%
GLL ProShares UltraShort Gold	4.59%	-62.81%	-33.33%	-14.91%	10.10%

Correlation

The correlation between UVIX and GLL is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.05

Return for Risk

UVIX vs. GLL — Risk / Return Rank

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

UVIX

UVIX Risk / Return Rank: 2
UVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
UVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
UVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

GLL

GLL Risk / Return Rank: 4
GLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
GLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
GLL Omega Ratio Rank: 4
GLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
GLL Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

UVIX vs. GLL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and ProShares UltraShort Gold (GLL). 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.

	UVIX	GLL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.76	-0.70	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.61	-0.93	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.90	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.99	-0.59	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.35	-0.88	-0.47

UVIX vs. GLL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UVIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.76, which is comparable to the GLL Sharpe Ratio of -0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UVIX and GLL, 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

UVIX vs. GLL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UVIX drawdown since its inception was -99.98%, roughly equal to the maximum GLL drawdown of -99.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UVIX and GLL.

Drawdown Indicators

	UVIX	GLL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.98%	-99.24%	-0.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-85.79%	-65.10%	-20.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-99.36%	-87.95%	-11.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-89.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.97%	-98.70%	-1.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.59%	-85.16%	-3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	63.76%	43.16%	+20.60%

Volatility

UVIX vs. GLL - Volatility Comparison

2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) has a higher volatility of 33.83% compared to ProShares UltraShort Gold (GLL) at 16.87%. This indicates that UVIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UVIX	GLL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	33.83%	16.87%	+16.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	87.07%	47.26%	+39.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	112.71%	54.71%	+58.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	136.06%	36.50%	+99.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	136.06%	32.36%	+103.70%

UVIX vs. GLL - Expense Ratio Comparison

UVIX has a 2.78% expense ratio, which is higher than GLL's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

UVIX vs. GLL - Dividend Comparison

Neither UVIX nor GLL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UVIX and GLL in my portfolio?

UVIX and GLL have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UVIX or GLL?

UVIX has higher volatility (33.83%) compared to GLL (16.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UVIX dropped -99.98% vs GLL's -99.24%.

Which ETF is better, UVIX or GLL?

On 3-year performance, GLL leads with -38.14% vs -80.89% for UVIX. On fees, GLL is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, GLL has been the lower-risk option at 16.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UVIX or GLL?

Over the 3-year period, GLL has performed better with a -38.14% return vs -80.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UVIX or GLL?

GLL is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 2.78% for UVIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UVIX or GLL?

UVIX and GLL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between UVIX and GLL?

UVIX is categorized as Volatility, while GLL is Leveraged Commodities. UVIX tracks Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily), while GLL tracks Bloomberg Gold (-200%). They also come from different issuers: Volatility Shares and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 2.78% for UVIX and 0.95% for GLL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.70 vs -0.76), 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.