GLD vs PHYS
GLD vs PHYS
SPDR Gold Shares vs Sprott Physical Gold Trust
Quick Verdict
GLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PHYS offers more diversification with 3 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | PHYS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $132.2B | $15.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +0.05% | -0.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.26% | +26.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.68% | +30.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +19.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Sprott Asset Management LP | |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Feb 25, 2010 |
GLD vs PHYS Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP. Over the past year GLD returned +27.26% while PHYS returned +26.04%. Year to date, GLD is up 0.05% versus a loss of 0.78% for PHYS.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +30.68% per year against +30.00% for PHYS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.79% and +19.12% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, GLD has the edge at +10.64% annualized vs +7.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% compared with 17.2% for GLD. 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 -45.6% for GLD and -48.2% for PHYS. 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 0.97. 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 PHYS charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $40 annually. On income, GLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for PHYS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLD or PHYS?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while PHYS charges 0.40%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLD or PHYS?
Over the past year GLD returned +27.26% vs +26.04% for PHYS, so GLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLD annualized +10.64% vs +7.78% for PHYS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLD or PHYS?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 17.2% for GLD. Worst drawdown: GLD -45.6% vs PHYS -48.2%.
Should I hold both GLD and PHYS?
GLD and PHYS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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, GLD or PHYS?
GLD yields 0.00% while PHYS yields 0.00%, so PHYS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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