GLD vs XLY
SPDR Gold Shares vs State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.40%. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.
State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - consumer discretionary securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a modest dividend yield of 0.82%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.
Quick Verdict
XLY is significantly cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $607 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, GLD has significantly outperformed with a 48.9% return vs 6.9%.
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose XLY if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose GLD if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.