AGG vs GOLY
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Strategy Shares Gold Enhanced Yield ETF
Which is better, AGG or GOLY?
Each has led over a different period.
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y and the full window, GOLY over 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGG | GOLY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $137.6B | $71M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 8.89% |
| Holdings | 13,338 | 7 |
| YTD Return | -2.12%Best | -30.69% |
| 1Y Return | -2.06%Best | -29.72% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.55% | +14.20%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.53% | +3.65%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3%Best | 23.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.8%Best | -45.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,738 | $11,963Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | STRATEGY SHARES |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2003 | May 17, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 18, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.4 years).
AGG vs GOLY growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
AGG vs GOLY Performance
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Strategy Shares Gold Enhanced Yield ETF (GOLY) is an ETF from STRATEGY SHARES. Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% while GOLY returned -29.72%. Year to date, AGG is down 2.12% versus a loss of 30.69% for GOLY.
Over three years, AGG compounded at +4.55% per year against +14.20% for GOLY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.53% and +3.65% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% compared with 6.3% for AGG. 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 -17.8% for AGG and -45.0% for GOLY. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGG charges 0.03% per year while GOLY charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGG currently yields 4.19% against 8.89% for GOLY.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 11,115 holdings in AGG and 7 in GOLY, totalling 67.1% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 11,115 positions we hold weights for in AGG and 7 in GOLY, against full books of 13,338 and 7.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 11,115 and 7 positions we hold weights for.
AGG holds 2,125 positions GOLY does not, 67.1% of the fund.
Largest: BISXX 3.25%, T 4.625 02/15/35 0.40%, T 4 02/28/30 0.40%, T 4.375 05/15/34 0.40%, T 4.25 11/15/34 0.40%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AGG and GOLY you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGG or GOLY?
AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while GOLY charges 0.90%. AGG is the cheaper option, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AGG or GOLY?
Over the past year AGG returned -2.06% vs -29.72% for GOLY, so AGG leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AGG or GOLY?
GOLY has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 6.3% for AGG. Worst drawdown: AGG -17.8% vs GOLY -45.0%.
Should I hold both AGG and GOLY?
AGG and GOLY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGG or GOLY?
AGG yields 4.19% while GOLY yields 8.89%, so GOLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GOLY better than AGG?
AGG has a lower expense ratio. AGG led over 1Y and the full window, GOLY over 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.