GDX vs LIT: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
VanEck Gold Miners ETF against Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF, over the same 16 years (August 2010 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From August 2010 to October 2026, GDX returned 4.6% a year and LIT 5.6% a year on average, so LIT came out ahead by 1.1% a year. GDX was the more volatile of the two (36.7% against 28.4% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 77.5% for GDX and 59.9% for LIT.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.36: they moved together only in part. Over 160 rolling 3-year periods, GDX did better in 36% and LIT in 64%.
Side by side
| GDX | LIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +4.6% | +5.6% |
| Total return | +107% | +144% |
| Annual volatility | 36.7% | 28.4% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −77.5% | −59.9% |
| Worst month | −22.6% | −24.8% |
| Best month | +40.0% | +21.1% |
| Positive months | 54% | 51% |
| Best year | 2025: +154.8% | 2020: +127.9% |
| Worst year | 2013: −54.0% | 2011: −36.8% |
| 1-year return | +20.0% | +11.2% |
| 5 years, a year | +23.2% | −5.6% |
| 10 years, a year | +14.5% | +11.6% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 195 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: GDX vs LIT
Returns by calendar year
| Year | GDX | LIT |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +154.8% | +60.1% |
| 2024 | +10.6% | −19.2% |
| 2023 | +10.0% | −12.2% |
| 2022 | −9.0% | −29.9% |
| 2021 | −9.5% | +36.7% |
| 2020 | +23.7% | +127.9% |
| 2019 | +39.8% | +3.3% |
| 2018 | −8.8% | −28.6% |
| 2017 | +12.0% | +64.2% |
| 2016 | +52.9% | +24.0% |
| 2015 | −24.7% | −9.5% |
| 2014 | −12.4% | −12.6% |
| 2013 | −54.0% | −8.8% |
| 2012 | −8.9% | +5.3% |
| 2011 | −16.1% | −36.8% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, GDX or LIT?
From August 2010 to October 2026, GDX returned +4.6% a year and LIT +5.6% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods GDX did better in 36% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, GDX or LIT?
Over the same months annual volatility was 36.7% for GDX and 28.4% for LIT; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 77.5% and 59.9%, and the worst single month −22.6% and −24.8%.
How correlated are GDX and LIT?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.36: they moved together only in part. Combining them has historically smoothed the ups and downs of either one alone.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.