GLD vs BND: Head-to-Head Comparison
GLD vs BND: SPDR Gold Shares has an expense ratio of 0.40% while Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF charges 0.03%. GLD holds 1 securities vs BND's 11,286. 5-year returns: 9.80% vs -0.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
Gold vs Bonds
Quick Verdict
BND edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | BND |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $70.0B | $116.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 4.30% |
| Holdings | 1 | 11,286 |
| 1-Year Return | 15.50% | 3.20% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.80% | -0.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 6.50% | 1.40% |
| Beta | 0.10 | 0.03 |
| P/E Ratio | N/A | N/A |
GLD 5-year annualized return is 9.80% compared to BND's -0.50%. Over 10 years, GLD returned 6.50% vs BND's 1.40%.
View data table
| Period | GLD Return | BND Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 4.20% | 0.50% |
| 1 Year | 15.50% | 3.20% |
| 3 Year | 8.50% | -1.80% |
| 5 Year | 9.80% | -0.50% |
| 10 Year | 6.50% | 1.40% |
Key Differences Between GLD and BND
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is a commodities - gold fund managed by State Street Global Advisors. GLD holds physical gold bars in a secure vault and each share represents a fractional ownership of that gold. It is the largest and most liquid gold ETF in the world, making it the easiest way to add gold to your portfolio. Beginners interested in gold as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty appreciate that GLD removes the hassle of buying, storing, and insuring physical gold yourself.
BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF) is a u.s. intermediate-term bond fund managed by Vanguard. BND provides exposure to the entire U.S. investment-grade bond market, including government, corporate, and mortgage-backed bonds. Bonds generally provide stability and income to a portfolio, acting as a cushion when stocks decline. Beginners often add BND to their portfolio to reduce overall volatility and provide steady income, with the typical rule of thumb being to hold your age in bonds as a percentage of your portfolio.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.40% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (1 vs 11,286), and 5-year returns (9.80% vs -0.50%).
GLD vs BND multi-factor comparison: GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, 9.80% 5-year return, 1 holdings, 0.10 beta, and 0.00% yield. BND has 0.03% expense ratio, -0.50% 5-year return, 11,286 holdings, 0.03 beta, and 4.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | GLD | BND |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 9.80% | -0.50% |
| Holdings | 1 | 11,286 |
| Beta | 0.10 | 0.03 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 4.30% |
Want the full framework? This 2-hour ETF course teaches you exactly how to pick, buy, and hold profitable ETFs — from zero to confident investor. Under $15.
Ready to invest? Open an IBKR account in 10 minutes and get free stock. $0 commissions on US ETFs • Fractional shares from $1 • 150+ global markets.
Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
GLD and BND share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
GLD and BND share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). GLD has 1 total holdings and BND has 11,286.
View data table
| Metric | GLD | BND |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 1 | 11,286 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
GLD
Fee cost: $3,334
BND
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $3,076 on a $10,000 investment. BND saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, GLD (0.40% fee) grows to $43,276 while BND (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $3,075.
View data table
| Year | GLD Value | BND Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,423 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $20,803 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $30,004 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $43,276 | $46,351 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose GLD if: You want investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty, those who want physical gold exposure without the logistics of buying and storing it, portfolio diversifiers looking for an asset with low correlation to traditional stocks and bonds. It's managed by State Street Global Advisors with an expense ratio of 0.40%.
Choose BND if: You want conservative investors who want portfolio stability and predictable income, investors approaching or in retirement who need to reduce portfolio volatility, anyone building a balanced stock-and-bond portfolio. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both GLD and BND?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, GLD and BND complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy GLD or BND?▾
BND edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (10 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. GLD is best for investors who want investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty, while BND is better suited for conservative investors who want portfolio stability and predictable income.
What is the difference between GLD and BND?▾
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) tracks commodities - gold investments with 1 holdings and a 0.40% expense ratio. BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF) focuses on u.s. intermediate-term bond with 11,286 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both GLD and BND?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, GLD and BND complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.