BBEM vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

BBEM (JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - BBEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Morningstar Emerging Markets Target Market Exposure Index - Benchmark TR Net, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, BBEM returned 23.54%/yr vs 31.72%/yr for IAU. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BBEM charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

BBEM vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBEM achieves a 28.71% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 4.00% return.

BBEM

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 10.89%
• YTD: 28.71%
• 6M: 31.96%
• 1Y: 56.44%
• 3Y*: 23.54%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 4.00%
• 6M: 6.47%
• 1Y: 32.38%
• 3Y*: 31.72%
• 5Y*: 18.82%
• 10Y*: 13.42%

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

BBEM vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	28.71%	32.43%	5.61%	6.01%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	4.00%	63.95%	26.85%	2.20%

Correlation

The correlation between BBEM and IAU is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2023	0.33

BBEM vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BBEM	IAU
Technology	36.5%	-
Financial Services	19.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	-
Industrials	8.1%	-
Communication Services	6.7%	-
Basic Materials	6.2%	-
Energy	4.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	-
Healthcare	2.8%	-
Utilities	2.5%	-
Real Estate	1.0%	100.0%

Return for Risk

BBEM vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBEM

BBEM Risk / Return Rank: 84
BBEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
BBEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
BBEM Omega Ratio Rank: 86
BBEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
BBEM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 34
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 37
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

BBEM vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). 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.

	BBEM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.92	1.23	+1.69
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	1.63	+2.19
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.25	+0.29
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.39	1.87	+2.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.36	4.69	+12.66
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BBEM vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.92, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBEM and IAU, 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

	BBEM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.92	1.23	+1.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	0.63	+0.73

Drawdowns

BBEM vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBEM drawdown since its inception was -17.42%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBEM and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBEM	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.42%	-45.14%	+27.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.12%	-19.18%	+6.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.42%	-19.18%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-16.88%	+16.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-15.96%	+12.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	7.63%	-4.31%

Volatility

BBEM vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (BBEM) has a higher volatility of 8.40% compared to iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 5.78%. This indicates that BBEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBEM	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.40%	5.78%	+2.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.14%	23.00%	-5.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.44%	26.51%	-7.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.49%	17.96%	-0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	15.90%	+1.59%

BBEM vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBEM has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

BBEM vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

BBEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.53%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
BBEM JPMorgan Betabuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF	4.53%	5.86%	2.73%	1.94%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBEM and IAU in my portfolio?

BBEM and IAU have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBEM or IAU?

BBEM has higher volatility (8.40%) compared to IAU (5.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBEM dropped -17.42% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, BBEM or IAU?

On 3-year performance, IAU leads with 31.72% vs 23.54% for BBEM. On fees, BBEM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 5.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BBEM or IAU?

Over the 3-year period, IAU has performed better with a 31.72% return vs 23.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BBEM or IAU?

BBEM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IAU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BBEM or IAU?

BBEM has the higher dividend yield at 4.53%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between BBEM and IAU?

BBEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while IAU is Gold. BBEM tracks Morningstar Emerging Markets Target Market Exposure Index - Benchmark TR Net, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for BBEM and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.92 vs 1.23), 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.