GLD vs SGOL
SPDR Gold Shares vs abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF
Quick Verdict
SGOL has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | SGOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.17% | |
| AUM | $132.2B | $6.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +1.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.35% | +31.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.81% | +32.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +20.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Sep 9, 2009 |
GLD vs SGOL Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year GLD returned +31.35% while SGOL returned +31.67%. Year to date, GLD is up 1.67% versus a gain of 1.82% for SGOL.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +31.81% per year against +32.09% for SGOL; over five years the annualized figures are +19.81% and +20.09% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, GLD has the edge at +10.71% annualized vs +8.92%. 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 16.7% for SGOL. 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 -45.5% for SGOL. 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
GLD charges 0.40% per year while SGOL charges 0.17%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $17 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for SGOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLD or SGOL?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SGOL charges 0.17%. SGOL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLD or SGOL?
Over the past year GLD returned +31.35% vs +31.67% for SGOL, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), GLD annualized +10.71% vs +8.92% for SGOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLD or SGOL?
GLD has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 16.7% for SGOL. Worst drawdown: GLD -45.6% vs SGOL -45.5%.
Should I hold both GLD and SGOL?
GLD and SGOL 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, GLD or SGOL?
GLD yields 0.00% while SGOL yields 0.00%, so SGOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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