BOTZ vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BOTZ (Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - BOTZ is a Robotics fund tracking the Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BOTZ returned 1.51%/yr vs 17.23%/yr for IAU. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BOTZ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

BOTZ vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) 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, BOTZ achieves a 2.46% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return.

BOTZ

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -10.83%
• YTD: 2.46%
• 6M: 2.47%
• 1Y: 18.98%
• 3Y*: 8.57%
• 5Y*: 1.51%
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -10.21%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 23.95%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

BOTZ vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BOTZ Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF	2.46%	14.17%	12.26%	38.97%	-42.69%	8.65%	51.92%	31.80%	-28.34%	58.01%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between BOTZ and IAU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2016	0.13

The correlation between BOTZ and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.13 (all time) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BOTZ vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BOTZ	IAU
Industrials	48.6%	-
Technology	31.8%	-
Healthcare	9.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	-
Communication Services	4.5%	-
Financial Services	0.9%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

BOTZ vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BOTZ

BOTZ Risk / Return Rank: 25
BOTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
BOTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
BOTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 24
BOTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BOTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 27

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

BOTZ vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BOTZ	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.76	0.89	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	1.25	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.19	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	0.99	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.26	2.83	+0.42

BOTZ vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BOTZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.76, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BOTZ 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.

Drawdowns

BOTZ vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BOTZ drawdown since its inception was -55.54%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BOTZ and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BOTZ	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.54%	-45.14%	-10.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.34%	-24.40%	+5.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.02%	-24.40%	-4.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.54%	-24.40%	-31.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.83%	-22.03%	+11.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.29%	-15.97%	-2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.84%	8.47%	-2.63%

Volatility

BOTZ vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF (BOTZ) has a higher volatility of 8.89% compared to iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 7.70%. This indicates that BOTZ'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

	BOTZ	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.89%	7.70%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.49%	23.94%	-4.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.07%	27.17%	-2.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.90%	18.16%	+8.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.79%	16.02%	+9.77%

BOTZ vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BOTZ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

BOTZ vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

BOTZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
BOTZ Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic ETF	0.64%	0.66%	0.13%	0.20%	0.23%	0.16%	0.19%	0.83%	1.44%	0.01%	0.06%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BOTZ and IAU in my portfolio?

BOTZ and IAU have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BOTZ or IAU?

BOTZ has higher volatility (8.89%) compared to IAU (7.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BOTZ dropped -55.54% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, BOTZ or IAU?

On 5-year performance, IAU leads with 17.23% vs 1.51% for BOTZ. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 7.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BOTZ or IAU?

Over the 5-year period, IAU has performed better with a 17.23% return vs 1.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BOTZ or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for BOTZ.

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

BOTZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between BOTZ and IAU?

BOTZ is categorized as Robotics, while IAU is Gold. BOTZ tracks Indxx Global Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for BOTZ and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs 0.76), 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.