YGLD vs. GLDI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

YGLD (Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF) and GLDI (UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033) are both Gold funds. YGLD is actively managed, while GLDI is passively managed. Over the past year, YGLD returned 11.74% vs 11.67% for GLDI. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. YGLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for GLDI.

Performance

YGLD vs. GLDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) and UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI). 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 GLDI's -4.45% return.

YGLD

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

GLDI

• 1D: -1.62%
• 1M: -7.19%
• YTD: -4.45%
• 6M: -5.42%
• 1Y: 11.67%
• 3Y*: 17.47%
• 5Y*: 10.96%
• 10Y*: 7.83%

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

YGLD vs. GLDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	-16.76%	96.82%	-4.26%
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033	-4.45%	34.25%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between YGLD and GLDI is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.80

The correlation between YGLD and GLDI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

YGLD vs. GLDI — 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

GLDI

GLDI Risk / Return Rank: 21
GLDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
GLDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
GLDI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
GLDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
GLDI Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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. GLDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) and UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI). 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	GLDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	0.73	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	1.01	-0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.16	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	0.83	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.69	2.73	-2.04

YGLD vs. GLDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the GLDI Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YGLD and GLDI, 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. GLDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YGLD drawdown since its inception was -40.91%, which is greater than GLDI's maximum drawdown of -32.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YGLD and GLDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	YGLD	GLDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.91%	-32.26%	-8.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-40.91%	-14.14%	-26.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.14%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-14.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.93%	-13.28%	-26.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-13.99%	+5.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.08%	4.30%	+12.78%

Volatility

YGLD vs. GLDI - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF (YGLD) has a higher volatility of 11.81% compared to UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033 (GLDI) at 7.18%. This indicates that YGLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	YGLD	GLDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.81%	7.18%	+4.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.35%	14.58%	+21.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.62%	15.99%	+25.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.45%	11.58%	+27.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.45%	11.52%	+27.93%

YGLD vs. GLDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

YGLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GLDI's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

YGLD vs. GLDI - Dividend Comparison

YGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.43%, less than GLDI's 26.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLDI UBS AG ETRACS Gold Shares Covered Call ETNs due February 2, 2033	26.67%	16.15%	10.45%	10.02%	13.73%	10.65%	14.25%	7.25%	5.33%	7.77%	17.26%	10.07%
YGLD Simplify Gold Strategy PLUS Income ETF	21.43%	12.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YGLD and GLDI in my portfolio?

YGLD and GLDI have a correlation of 0.83, 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 GLDI?

YGLD has higher volatility (11.81%) compared to GLDI (7.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YGLD dropped -40.91% vs GLDI's -32.26%.

Which ETF is better, YGLD or GLDI?

On 1-year performance, YGLD leads with 11.74% vs 11.67% for GLDI. On fees, YGLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, GLDI has been the lower-risk option at 7.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YGLD or GLDI?

Over the 1-year period, YGLD has performed better with a 11.74% return vs 11.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YGLD or GLDI?

YGLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for GLDI.

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

GLDI has the higher dividend yield at 26.67%, compared with 21.43% for YGLD.

What is the main difference between YGLD and GLDI?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and UBS. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for YGLD and 0.65% for GLDI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.73 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.