VICE vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VICE (AdvisorShares Vice ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - VICE is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund actively managed by AdvisorShares, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. VICE is actively managed, while GLD is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VICE returned -0.39%/yr vs 17.84%/yr for GLD. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VICE charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

VICE vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) 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, VICE achieves a 4.29% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's -4.79% return.

VICE

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 4.29%
• 6M: 2.72%
• 1Y: -0.93%
• 3Y*: 7.06%
• 5Y*: -0.39%
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.79%
• 6M: -8.78%
• 1Y: 21.29%
• 3Y*: 28.41%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: 11.59%

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

VICE vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VICE AdvisorShares Vice ETF	4.29%	1.56%	18.27%	3.01%	-18.28%	8.50%	22.45%	20.05%	-16.93%	4.19%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	4.66%

Correlation

The correlation between VICE and GLD is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.11
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2017	0.08

Return for Risk

VICE vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VICE

VICE Risk / Return Rank: 8
VICE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VICE Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VICE Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VICE Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VICE Martin Ratio Rank: 8

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

VICE vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) 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.

	VICE	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	0.78	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.01	1.13	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.17	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	0.87	-0.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.12	2.35	-2.47

VICE vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VICE Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VICE 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

VICE vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VICE drawdown since its inception was -38.27%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VICE and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VICE	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.27%	-45.56%	+7.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-24.46%	+10.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.55%	-24.46%	+4.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.02%	-24.46%	-9.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.55%	-23.91%	+16.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.34%	-16.17%	+3.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.90%	9.10%	-1.20%

Volatility

VICE vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AdvisorShares Vice ETF (VICE) is 4.03%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 8.18%. This indicates that VICE 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

	VICE	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	8.18%	-4.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.38%	24.38%	-15.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.27%	27.57%	-14.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.71%	18.24%	-0.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	16.04%	+3.12%

VICE vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VICE has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VICE vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

VICE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.75%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VICE AdvisorShares Vice ETF	0.75%	0.79%	1.46%	1.69%	0.96%	0.99%	0.00%	2.47%	1.72%	0.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VICE and GLD in my portfolio?

VICE and GLD have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VICE or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (8.18%) compared to VICE (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VICE dropped -38.27% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, VICE or GLD?

On 5-year performance, GLD leads with 17.84% vs -0.39% for VICE. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, VICE has been the lower-risk option at 4.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VICE or GLD?

Over the 5-year period, GLD has performed better with a 17.84% return vs -0.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VICE or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for VICE.

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

VICE has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between VICE and GLD?

VICE is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while GLD is Gold. They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for VICE and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.78 vs -0.07), 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.