AETH vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

AETH (Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AETH is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Bitwise, while AAAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. AETH is actively managed, while AAAU is passively managed. Over the past year, AETH returned -11.35% vs 30.12% for AAAU. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AETH charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

AETH vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AETH achieves a -9.78% return, which is significantly lower than AAAU's 0.05% return.

AETH

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: -1.61%
• YTD: -9.78%
• 6M: -12.04%
• 1Y: -11.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: -3.64%
• 1M: -8.21%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: 2.64%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 29.80%
• 5Y*: 17.72%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AETH vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	-9.78%	-0.11%	31.76%	37.65%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.05%	64.06%	26.91%	12.78%

Correlation

The correlation between AETH and AAAU is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2023	0.06

Return for Risk

AETH vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AETH

AETH Risk / Return Rank: 7
AETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
AETH Omega Ratio Rank: 7
AETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
AETH Martin Ratio Rank: 7

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 30
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 33
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
AAAU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AETH vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	AETH	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.29	1.07	-1.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.13	1.45	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.22	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.29	1.43	-1.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.41	3.62	-4.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AETH vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.29, which is lower than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AETH and AAAU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AETH	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.29	1.07	-1.36
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	1.06	-0.69

Drawdowns

AETH vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AETH drawdown since its inception was -47.78%, which is greater than AAAU's maximum drawdown of -21.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AETH and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	AETH	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.78%	-21.63%	-26.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.98%	-20.00%	-23.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.00%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-43.85%	-20.00%	-23.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.71%	-6.19%	-18.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	31.09%	7.86%	+23.23%

Volatility

AETH vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) is 3.93%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 5.66%. This indicates that AETH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AAAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AETH	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.93%	5.66%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.18%	23.25%	+3.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	44.88%	26.59%	+18.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	54.60%	17.90%	+36.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	54.60%	17.04%	+37.56%

AETH vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

AETH has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

AETH vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

AETH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
AETH Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF	2.67%	2.41%	14.73%	6.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AETH and AAAU in my portfolio?

AETH and AAAU have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AETH or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (5.66%) compared to AETH (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AETH dropped -47.78% vs AAAU's -21.63%.

Which ETF is better, AETH or AAAU?

On 1-year performance, AAAU leads with 30.12% vs -11.35% for AETH. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, AETH has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AETH or AAAU?

Over the 1-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 30.12% return vs -11.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AETH or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for AETH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AETH or AAAU?

AETH has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between AETH and AAAU?

AETH is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while AAAU is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Bitwise and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for AETH and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 vs -0.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.