GLDM vs SPY
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GLDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLDM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $27.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.36% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.42% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.50% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.47% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GLDM vs SPY Performance
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GLDM returned +29.42% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, GLDM is up 0.36% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, GLDM compounded at +31.50% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.47% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, GLDM has the edge at +16.32% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 GLDM and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLDM charges 0.10% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLDM currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLDM or SPY?
GLDM has an expense ratio of 0.10% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLDM or SPY?
Over the past year GLDM returned +29.42% vs +21.96% for SPY, so GLDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GLDM annualized +16.32% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLDM or SPY?
GLDM has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GLDM -26.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLDM and SPY?
GLDM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLDM or SPY?
GLDM yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.