VGLT vs. GC=F

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) is Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, while GC=F (Gold Futures) is an asset. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VGLT vs. GC=F - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Gold Futures (GC=F). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VGLT

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 2.64%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 0.40%
• 1Y: 4.29%
• 3Y*: -0.69%
• 5Y*: -5.34%
• 10Y*: -1.23%

GC=F

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGLT vs. GC=F - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	0.05%	5.35%	-6.28%	3.27%	-26.93%
GC=F Gold Futures	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	5.84%

Correlation

The correlation between VGLT and GC=F is 0.05, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2022	0.05

Return for Risk

VGLT vs. GC=F — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 17
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 17

GC=F

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

VGLT vs. GC=F - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Gold Futures (GC=F). 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.

	VGLT	GC=F	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.61	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.54	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	VGLT	GC=F	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.01%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.54%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.10%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.78%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGLT	GC=F	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.69%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.08%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.68%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.82%	—	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGLT and GC=F in my portfolio?

VGLT and GC=F have a correlation of 0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.