BAR vs GLD
BAR vs GLD
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs SPDR Gold Shares
Quick Verdict
BAR has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. GLD offers more diversification with 2 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | GLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $132.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +0.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +27.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.99% | +30.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.06% | +19.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -45.6% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Nov 18, 2004 |
BAR vs GLD Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% while GLD returned +27.26%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.26% versus a gain of 0.05% for GLD.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.99% per year against +30.68% for GLD; over five years the annualized figures are +20.06% and +19.79% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.09% annualized vs +10.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.3% 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 -45.6% for GLD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or GLD?
Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% vs +27.26% for GLD, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.09% vs +10.64% for GLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or GLD?
GLD has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.3% for BAR. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs GLD -45.6%.
Should I hold both BAR and GLD?
BAR and GLD have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
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.
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