GLD vs PHYS
SPDR Gold Shares vs Sprott Physical Gold Trust
Which is better, GLD or PHYS?
GLD has been ahead.
GLD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | PHYS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40%Tie | 0.40%Tie |
| AUM | $146.4B | $16.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 1 | 3 |
| YTD Return | +0.45%Best | -0.60% |
| 1Y Return | +15.95%Best | +14.66% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.15%Best | +30.29% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.32%Best | +18.76% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6%Best | 17.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6%Best | -48.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,186Best | $23,624 |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Sprott Asset Management LP |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Style | Gold | Gold |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Feb 25, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 26, 2010 to Sep 22, 2026 (16.6 years).
GLD vs PHYS 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 16.6 years both funds cover.
GLD vs PHYS Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is an ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP. Over the past year GLD returned +15.95% while PHYS returned +14.66%. Year to date, GLD is up 0.45% versus a loss of 0.60% for PHYS.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +31.15% per year against +30.29% for PHYS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.32% and +18.76% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, GLD has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.73%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 16.6% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GLD and PHYS 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 PHYS?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while PHYS charges 0.40%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, GLD or PHYS?
Over the past year GLD returned +15.95% vs +14.66% for PHYS, so GLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GLD annualized +8.14% vs +7.73% for PHYS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GLD or PHYS?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 16.6% 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. 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 PHYS?
GLD yields 0.00% while PHYS yields 0.00%, so PHYS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PHYS better than GLD?
GLD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.