VRTL vs. BAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRTL (GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF) and BAR (GraniteShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - VRTL is a Leveraged Equities fund actively managed by GraniteShares, while BAR is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). VRTL is actively managed, while BAR is passively managed. Over the past year, VRTL returned 343.57% vs 21.40% for BAR. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VRTL charges 1.50%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for BAR.

Performance

VRTL vs. BAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) and GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRTL achieves a 187.83% return, which is significantly higher than BAR's -4.82% return.

VRTL

• 1D: -22.65%
• 1M: -11.35%
• YTD: 187.83%
• 6M: 172.02%
• 1Y: 343.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BAR

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -8.92%
• YTD: -4.82%
• 6M: -8.73%
• 1Y: 21.40%
• 3Y*: 28.63%
• 5Y*: 18.08%
• 10Y*: —

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

VRTL vs. BAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VRTL GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	187.83%	110.50%
BAR GraniteShares Gold Trust	-4.82%	43.26%

Correlation

The correlation between VRTL and BAR is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 25, 2025	0.06

The correlation between VRTL and BAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.06 (all time) to 0.17 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VRTL vs. BAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRTL

VRTL Risk / Return Rank: 83
VRTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
VRTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VRTL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VRTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VRTL Martin Ratio Rank: 87

BAR

BAR Risk / Return Rank: 22
BAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
BAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
BAR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
BAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
BAR Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

VRTL vs. BAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) and GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR). 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.

	VRTL	BAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	0.78	+2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	1.14	+1.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.17	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.30	0.88	+6.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.10	2.37	+14.74

VRTL vs. BAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is higher than the BAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRTL and BAR, 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

VRTL vs. BAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRTL drawdown since its inception was -60.58%, which is greater than BAR's maximum drawdown of -24.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRTL and BAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRTL	BAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.58%	-24.38%	-36.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.45%	-24.38%	-23.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.38%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-33.92%	-23.93%	-9.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.93%	-6.53%	-9.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.20%	9.07%	+11.13%

Volatility

VRTL vs. BAR - Volatility Comparison

GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF (VRTL) has a higher volatility of 43.78% compared to GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR) at 8.11%. This indicates that VRTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRTL	BAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	43.78%	8.11%	+35.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	92.17%	24.24%	+67.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	119.83%	27.39%	+92.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	126.87%	18.14%	+108.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	126.87%	16.54%	+110.33%

VRTL vs. BAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRTL has a 1.50% expense ratio, which is higher than BAR's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRTL vs. BAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither VRTL nor BAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRTL and BAR in my portfolio?

VRTL and BAR have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRTL or BAR?

VRTL has higher volatility (43.78%) compared to BAR (8.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRTL dropped -60.58% vs BAR's -24.38%.

Which ETF is better, VRTL or BAR?

On 1-year performance, VRTL leads with 343.57% vs 21.40% for BAR. On fees, BAR is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, BAR has been the lower-risk option at 8.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VRTL or BAR?

Over the 1-year period, VRTL has performed better with a 343.57% return vs 21.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VRTL or BAR?

BAR is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 1.50% for VRTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VRTL or BAR?

VRTL and BAR have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between VRTL and BAR?

VRTL is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while BAR is Gold. Their fees differ too: 1.50% for VRTL and 0.17% for BAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 0.78), 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.