GOAU vs SPY
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $195M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.39% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.25% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.05% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.53% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GOAU vs SPY Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GOAU returned +57.25% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, GOAU is up 14.39% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +49.05% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +24.53% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +18.19% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.9% 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 -52.9% for GOAU 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOAU or SPY?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or SPY?
Over the past year GOAU returned +57.25% vs +20.83% for SPY, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +18.19% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or SPY?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 36.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GOAU and SPY?
GOAU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and SPY?
GOAU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or SPY?
GOAU yields 1.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GOAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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