YGLD vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

YGLD (Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both Gold funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, YGLD returned 11.74% vs 37.19% for GDE. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. YGLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

YGLD vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, YGLD achieves a -16.76% return, which is significantly lower than GDE's -0.50% return.

YGLD

• 1D: -2.32%
• 1M: -12.41%
• YTD: -16.76%
• 6M: -23.00%
• 1Y: 11.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDE

• 1D: -3.14%
• 1M: -10.04%
• YTD: -0.50%
• 6M: -5.03%
• 1Y: 37.19%
• 3Y*: 40.84%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YGLD vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	-16.76%	96.82%	-4.26%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	-0.50%	73.76%	-2.34%

Correlation

The correlation between YGLD and GDE is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.84

The correlation between YGLD and GDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

YGLD vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

YGLD

YGLD Risk / Return Rank: 13
YGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
YGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
YGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 15
YGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
YGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 12

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 34
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 37
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

YGLD vs. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). 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.

	YGLD	GDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	1.23	-0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	1.65	-1.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.24	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	1.65	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.69	4.59	-3.90

YGLD vs. GDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the GDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YGLD and GDE, 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

YGLD vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YGLD drawdown since its inception was -40.91%, which is greater than GDE's maximum drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YGLD and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	YGLD	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.91%	-32.01%	-8.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.91%	-22.66%	-18.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.93%	-19.50%	-20.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-7.97%	-0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.08%	8.12%	+8.96%

Volatility

YGLD vs. GDE - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) have volatilities of 11.81% and 11.41%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YGLD	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.81%	11.41%	+0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.35%	26.51%	+9.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.62%	30.33%	+11.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.45%	27.15%	+12.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.45%	27.15%	+12.30%

YGLD vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

YGLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

YGLD vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

YGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.43%, more than GDE's 4.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.34%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	21.43%	12.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YGLD and GDE in my portfolio?

YGLD and GDE have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YGLD or GDE?

YGLD has higher volatility (11.81%) compared to GDE (11.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YGLD dropped -40.91% vs GDE's -32.01%.

Which ETF is better, YGLD or GDE?

On 1-year performance, GDE leads with 37.19% vs 11.74% for YGLD. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GDE has been the lower-risk option at 11.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YGLD or GDE?

Over the 1-year period, GDE has performed better with a 37.19% return vs 11.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YGLD or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for YGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, YGLD or GDE?

YGLD has the higher dividend yield at 21.43%, compared with 4.34% for GDE.

What is the main difference between YGLD and GDE?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for YGLD and 0.20% for GDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.28), 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.