VIG vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 13.05%/yr vs 12.56%/yr for GLD. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

VIG vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) 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, VIG achieves a 6.58% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 0.24% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VIG having a 13.05% annualized return and GLD not far behind at 12.56%.

VIG

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 2.32%
• YTD: 6.58%
• 6M: 6.47%
• 1Y: 18.31%
• 3Y*: 16.04%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.05%

GLD

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -8.41%
• YTD: 0.24%
• 6M: 3.07%
• 1Y: 30.18%
• 3Y*: 29.71%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 12.56%

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

VIG vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	6.58%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.24%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and GLD is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.13
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2006	0.05

The correlation between VIG and GLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.05 (all time) to 0.23 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VIG vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	GLD
Technology	26.2%	-
Financial Services	20.6%	-
Healthcare	16.5%	-
Industrials	11.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	100.0%
Utilities	3.2%	-
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VIG vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 58
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 33
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

VIG vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) 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.

	VIG	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.13	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	1.51	+1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.23	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	1.51	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.37	3.78	+5.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIG vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is higher than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VIG	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.82	1.13	+0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.98	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82	0.79	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.59	0.00

Drawdowns

VIG vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, roughly equal to the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-45.56%	-1.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-20.10%	+12.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-20.10%	+5.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-21.03%	+0.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-22.00%	-9.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.34%	-19.89%	+18.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-16.16%	+10.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	8.01%	-6.05%

Volatility

VIG vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is 2.42%, while SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a volatility of 5.68%. This indicates that VIG 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

	VIG	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.42%	5.68%	-3.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.68%	23.47%	-15.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.10%	26.87%	-16.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.24%	18.07%	-3.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	15.99%	+0.07%

VIG vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.48%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIG and GLD in my portfolio?

VIG and GLD have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or GLD?

GLD has higher volatility (5.68%) compared to VIG (2.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or GLD?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.05% vs 12.56% for GLD. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.05% return vs 12.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or GLD?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

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

VIG has the higher dividend yield at 1.48%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between VIG and GLD?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while GLD is Gold. VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.13), 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.