XPH vs. GLDM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XPH (SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF) and GLDM (SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - XPH is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index, while GLDM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XPH returned 5.15%/yr vs 18.18%/yr for GLDM. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XPH charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for GLDM.

Performance

XPH vs. GLDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XPH achieves a 13.09% return, which is significantly higher than GLDM's -4.72% return.

XPH

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 9.48%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 6M: 12.03%
• 1Y: 55.30%
• 3Y*: 16.62%
• 5Y*: 5.15%
• 10Y*: 5.45%

GLDM

• 1D: -1.91%
• 1M: -8.82%
• YTD: -4.72%
• 6M: -8.62%
• 1Y: 21.66%
• 3Y*: 28.79%
• 5Y*: 18.18%
• 10Y*: —

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

XPH vs. GLDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	13.09%	31.60%	4.94%	2.97%	-9.83%	-10.54%	14.68%	25.61%	-15.06%
GLDM SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust	-4.72%	64.20%	27.08%	13.04%	-0.47%	-4.01%	25.10%	18.10%	1.75%

Correlation

The correlation between XPH and GLDM is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2018	0.07

Return for Risk

XPH vs. GLDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XPH

XPH Risk / Return Rank: 82
XPH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
XPH Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
XPH Omega Ratio Rank: 75
XPH Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
XPH Martin Ratio Rank: 84

GLDM

GLDM Risk / Return Rank: 22
GLDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
GLDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GLDM Omega Ratio Rank: 25
GLDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
GLDM 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.

XPH vs. GLDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM). 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.

	XPH	GLDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	0.80	+1.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	1.15	+2.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.17	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.64	0.89	+3.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.63	2.40	+14.23

XPH vs. GLDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XPH Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is higher than the GLDM Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XPH and GLDM, 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

XPH vs. GLDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XPH drawdown since its inception was -48.03%, which is greater than GLDM's maximum drawdown of -24.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XPH and GLDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XPH	GLDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.03%	-24.35%	-23.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.97%	-24.35%	+12.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.57%	-24.35%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.63%	-24.35%	-7.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-23.82%	+23.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.21%	-6.32%	-10.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	9.05%	-5.72%

Volatility

XPH vs. GLDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is 6.27%, while SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) has a volatility of 8.16%. This indicates that XPH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XPH	GLDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	8.16%	-1.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.67%	24.22%	-7.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.77%	27.36%	-5.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.92%	18.15%	+2.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.09%	17.02%	+5.07%

XPH vs. GLDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

XPH has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than GLDM's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

XPH vs. GLDM - Dividend Comparison

XPH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, while GLDM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLDM SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XPH SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF	0.53%	0.83%	1.58%	1.28%	1.64%	0.95%	0.47%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%	0.63%	7.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XPH and GLDM in my portfolio?

XPH and GLDM have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XPH or GLDM?

GLDM has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to XPH (6.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XPH dropped -48.03% vs GLDM's -24.35%.

Which ETF is better, XPH or GLDM?

On 5-year performance, GLDM leads with 18.18% vs 5.15% for XPH. On fees, GLDM is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, XPH has been the lower-risk option at 6.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XPH or GLDM?

Over the 5-year period, GLDM has performed better with a 18.18% return vs 5.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XPH or GLDM?

GLDM is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XPH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XPH or GLDM?

XPH has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.00% for GLDM.

What is the main difference between XPH and GLDM?

XPH is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while GLDM is Gold. XPH tracks S&P Pharmaceuticals Select Industry Index, while GLDM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XPH and 0.10% for GLDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XPH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 0.80), 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.