GLD vs GLDM
SPDR Gold Shares vs SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust
Which is better, GLD or GLDM?
Nearly the same fund. GLDM costs less.
GLDM has a lower expense ratio. GLDM 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 | GLD | GLDM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.10%Best |
| AUM | $146.4B | $31.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 1 | 1 |
| YTD Return | -1.64% | -1.41%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.36% | +15.68%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.79% | +30.18%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.02% | +19.37%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 16.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -26.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,884 | $24,237Best |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | SPDR State Street Global Advisors |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Style | Gold | Gold |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Jun 25, 2018 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2018 to Sep 16, 2026 (8.2 years).
GLD vs GLDM 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 8.2 years both funds cover.
GLD vs GLDM Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) is an ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year GLD returned +15.36% while GLDM returned +15.68%. Year to date, GLD is down 1.64% versus a loss of 1.41% for GLDM.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +29.79% per year against +30.18% for GLDM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.02% and +19.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, GLDM has the edge at +15.87% annualized vs +15.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 16.0% for GLDM. 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 -26.4% for GLD and -26.3% for GLDM. 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
GLD charges 0.40% per year while GLDM charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $10 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GLDM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GLD and GLDM 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, GLD or GLDM?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while GLDM charges 0.10%. GLDM is the cheaper option, by $30 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GLD or GLDM?
Over the past year GLD returned +15.36% vs +15.68% for GLDM, so GLDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GLD annualized +15.56% vs +15.87% for GLDM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GLD or GLDM?
GLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 16.0% for GLDM. Worst drawdown: GLD -26.4% vs GLDM -26.3%.
Should I hold both GLD and GLDM?
GLD and GLDM 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, GLD or GLDM?
GLD yields 0.00% while GLDM yields 0.00%, so GLDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GLDM better than GLD?
GLDM has a lower expense ratio. GLDM 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.