BIDD vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BIDD (iShares International Dividend Active ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - BIDD is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by iShares, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. BIDD is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. Over the past year, BIDD returned 21.18% vs 32.20% for IAU. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BIDD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

BIDD vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Dividend Active ETF (BIDD) 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, BIDD achieves a 11.59% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return.

BIDD

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 6.81%
• YTD: 11.59%
• 6M: 14.69%
• 1Y: 21.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -1.62%
• YTD: 2.98%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 32.20%
• 3Y*: 31.29%
• 5Y*: 18.32%
• 10Y*: 13.31%

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

BIDD vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
BIDD iShares International Dividend Active ETF	11.59%	20.17%	-2.09%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	2.98%	63.95%	0.45%

Correlation

The correlation between BIDD and IAU is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2024	0.30

BIDD vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BIDD	IAU
Financial Services	24.9%	-
Technology	20.9%	-
Industrials	17.7%	-
Communication Services	7.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	-
Healthcare	6.4%	-
Basic Materials	6.2%	-
Energy	5.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BIDD vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BIDD

BIDD Risk / Return Rank: 39
BIDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
BIDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
BIDD Omega Ratio Rank: 39
BIDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
BIDD Martin Ratio Rank: 41

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 32
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

BIDD vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Dividend Active ETF (BIDD) 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.

	BIDD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	1.23	+0.17
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	1.62	+0.41
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.73	1.69	+0.04
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.40	4.19	+2.22
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BIDD vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BIDD Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BIDD 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

	BIDD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	1.23	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.16	0.62	+0.54

Drawdowns

BIDD vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BIDD drawdown since its inception was -15.08%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIDD and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BIDD	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.08%	-45.14%	+30.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.32%	-19.18%	+6.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.18%	—
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	-0.89%	-17.70%	+16.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.25%	-15.96%	+13.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	7.71%	-4.39%

Volatility

BIDD vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

iShares International Dividend Active ETF (BIDD) has a higher volatility of 5.95% compared to iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 5.50%. This indicates that BIDD'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

	BIDD	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.95%	5.50%	+0.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	23.02%	-10.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.25%	26.42%	-11.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.89%	17.95%	-1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.89%	15.90%	+0.99%

BIDD vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BIDD has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BIDD vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

BIDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BIDD iShares International Dividend Active ETF	2.48%	2.74%	0.13%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BIDD and IAU in my portfolio?

BIDD and IAU have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BIDD or IAU?

BIDD has higher volatility (5.95%) compared to IAU (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIDD dropped -15.08% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, BIDD or IAU?

On 1-year performance, IAU leads with 32.20% vs 21.18% for BIDD. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BIDD or IAU?

Over the 1-year period, IAU has performed better with a 32.20% return vs 21.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BIDD or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for BIDD.

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

BIDD has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between BIDD and IAU?

BIDD is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for BIDD and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BIDD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 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.