GLD vs XLB
SPDR Gold Shares vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-10
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by SPDR 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 Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is an exchange-traded fund issued by SPDR that provides exposure to us sector - materials securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.08%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.68%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.
Quick Verdict
XLB is significantly cheaper at 0.08% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $627 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, GLD has significantly outperformed with a 49.8% return vs 32.9%.
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
Top Holdings
XLB Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Linde plcLIN | 14.06% |
| Newmont CorporationNEM | 7.76% |
| Freeport-McMoRan Inc.FCX | 5.63% |
| CRH plcCRH | 4.72% |
| Vulcan Materials CompanyVMC | 4.68% |
| The Sherwin-Williams CompanySHW | 4.66% |
| Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.APD | 4.60% |
| Corteva, Inc.CTVA | 4.60% |
| Nucor CorporationNUE | 4.57% |
| Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.MLM | 4.50% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose XLB 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.