VIXY vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VIXY (ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - VIXY is a Volatility fund tracking the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIXY returned -48.59%/yr vs 11.59%/yr for GLD. At a correlation of -0.01, they often move in opposite directions. VIXY charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

VIXY vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) 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, VIXY achieves a -10.37% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's -4.79% return. Over the past 10 years, VIXY has underperformed GLD with an annualized return of -48.59%, while GLD has yielded a comparatively higher 11.59% annualized return.

VIXY

• 1D: 5.17%
• 1M: -9.63%
• YTD: -10.37%
• 6M: -12.36%
• 1Y: -55.30%
• 3Y*: -39.97%
• 5Y*: -45.65%
• 10Y*: -48.59%

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)

VIXY vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIXY ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF	-10.37%	-43.05%	-27.43%	-72.74%	-24.98%	-72.40%	10.54%	-67.81%	66.78%	-72.78%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-4.79%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VIXY and GLD is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.04
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2011	-0.01

Return for Risk

VIXY vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIXY

VIXY Risk / Return Rank: 1
VIXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
VIXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
VIXY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
VIXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
VIXY Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

VIXY vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) 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.

	VIXY	GLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	0.78	-1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.62	1.13	-2.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.17	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-1.02	0.87	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.56	2.35	-3.90

VIXY vs. GLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIXY Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the GLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIXY 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

VIXY vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIXY drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than GLD's maximum drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIXY and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIXY	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-45.56%	-54.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.55%	-24.46%	-30.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.94%	-24.46%	-55.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-96.20%	-24.46%	-71.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.88%	-24.46%	-75.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-23.91%	-76.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-92.19%	-16.17%	-76.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	39.74%	9.10%	+30.64%

Volatility

VIXY vs. GLD - Volatility Comparison

ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) has a higher volatility of 17.03% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 8.18%. This indicates that VIXY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIXY	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.03%	8.18%	+8.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.99%	24.38%	+19.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	56.44%	27.57%	+28.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	70.37%	18.24%	+52.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	71.94%	16.04%	+55.90%

VIXY vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIXY has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIXY vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

Neither VIXY nor GLD has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIXY and GLD in my portfolio?

VIXY and GLD 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, VIXY or GLD?

VIXY has higher volatility (17.03%) compared to GLD (8.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIXY dropped -100.00% vs GLD's -45.56%.

Which ETF is better, VIXY or GLD?

On 10-year performance, GLD leads with 11.59% vs -48.59% for VIXY. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIXY or GLD?

Over the 10-year period, GLD has performed better with a 11.59% return vs -48.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIXY or GLD?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for VIXY.

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

VIXY and GLD have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between VIXY and GLD?

VIXY is categorized as Volatility, while GLD is Gold. VIXY tracks S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for VIXY and 0.40% for GLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.78 vs -0.98), 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.