BAR vs GLD
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs SPDR Gold Shares
Which is better, BAR or GLD?
Nearly the same fund. BAR costs less.
BAR has a lower expense ratio. BAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | GLD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17%Best | 0.40% |
| AUM | $1.4B | $146.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 1 | 1 |
| YTD Return | -1.41%Best | -1.64% |
| 1Y Return | +15.64%Best | +15.36% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.12%Best | +29.79% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.30%Best | +19.02% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5%Best | 15.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3%Best | -26.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,166Best | $23,884 |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | SPDR State Street Global Advisors |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Style | Gold | Gold |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Nov 18, 2004 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 31, 2017 to Sep 16, 2026 (9 years).
BAR vs GLD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9 years both funds cover.
BAR vs GLD Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is an ETF from GraniteShares and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BAR returned +15.64% while GLD returned +15.36%. Year to date, BAR is down 1.41% versus a loss of 1.64% for GLD.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.12% per year against +29.79% for GLD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.30% and +19.02% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +13.69% annualized vs +13.38%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.5% for BAR. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.3% for BAR and -26.4% for GLD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while GLD charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $40 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GLD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BAR and GLD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or GLD?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while GLD charges 0.40%. BAR is the cheaper option, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BAR or GLD?
Over the past year BAR returned +15.64% vs +15.36% for GLD, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +13.69% vs +13.38% for GLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BAR or GLD?
GLD has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.5% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs GLD -26.4%.
Should I hold both BAR and GLD?
BAR and GLD have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or GLD?
BAR yields 0.00% while GLD yields 0.00%, so GLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GLD better than BAR?
BAR has a lower expense ratio. BAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.