Compare/Updated Oct 26, 2026, refreshed every trading day
GDX vs GDXJ
VanEck Gold Miners ETF against VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF: 4 years of returns, risk and today’s technical read, from Kavout’s own data.
GDXJ did better over the period: $1,000 invested on October 28, 2022 grew to $3,526 (+252.6%), versus $3,417 (+241.7%) for GDX. The 3-year return also favored GDXJ, 203.7% versus 182.1%. However, GDXJ carried higher risk: 55.7% volatility over the last 12 months and a worst drawdown of -41.3%, compared with 50.1% volatility and a -38.9% drawdown for GDX. Both funds declined 1.8% today, have the same 0.51% expense ratio, and moved very closely together, with 0.984 correlation over the period. The result matters because GDXJ delivered the higher return, but investors accepted greater volatility and downside. Performance leadership was not consistent monthly: GDXJ won 25 of the last 48 months, while GDX won 23.
- Price is below its 200-day average ($91); 50-day at $93.
- RSI 34, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 23, so the trend is developing.
- Price is below its 200-day average ($119); 50-day at $120.
- RSI 32, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 24, so the trend is developing.
Head to head
Which has returned more, GDX or GDXJ?
GDX beat GDXJ in 23 of the last 48 months; GDXJ won the other 25. The typical monthly gap was 1.47 points.
Total return by period
Which is riskier?
Both: Feb 27, 2026 to Jul 20, 2026
- 0.984
- correlation of daily moves, 4 years
- 0.88
- GDX move per 1% in GDXJ
- 0.990
- correlation, last 12 months
Month by month
Of the last 48 months. The typical gap was 1.47 points.
When did they diverge?
| Month | GDX | GDXJ | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | +6.5% | +11.5% | -4.99 pts |
| October 2024 | +1.3% | +5.7% | -4.37 pts |
| July 2025 | -0.8% | -5.0% | +4.18 pts |
| October 2026 | -8.7% | -12.8% | +4.16 pts |
Where the numbers come from. 1000 daily adjusted closes per fund from the Kavout market-data API, dividends included. Signals and indicators are Kavout’s own, refreshed nightly. Every figure is calculated from those adjusted closes.
Holdings and fees
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