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GLD vs SGOL: Performance & Backtest Comparison
SGOL delivered the higher return - 8.45% CAGR vs 8.39% - over 2009-10-31 → 2026-07-31.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| GLD | SGOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | SPDR Gold Shares | abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF |
| CAGR | 8.39% | 8.45% |
| Total return | 287.98% | 291.52% |
| Volatility | 16.64% | 16.61% |
| Max drawdown | -42.91%Dec 2015 | -42.84%Dec 2015 |
| Sharpe | 0.49 | 0.49 |
| Sortino | 0.85 | 0.85 |
| Best year | 63.68% | 63.99% |
| Worst year | -28.33% | -28.34% |
| Final balance | $38,798 | $39,152 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 1.00. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, GLD or SGOL?
Over 2009-10-31 to 2026-07-31, SGOL performed better: 8.45% annualized versus 8.39% for GLD, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are GLD and SGOL?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 1.00 over the common period. GLD is SPDR Gold Shares; SGOL is abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF.
Which is riskier, GLD or SGOL?
Over the common period GLD had 16.64% annualized volatility and a -42.91% max drawdown, versus 16.61% and -42.84% for SGOL.