CRBN vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

CRBN (iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - CRBN is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CRBN returned 12.75%/yr vs 13.38%/yr for IAU. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CRBN charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

CRBN vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF (CRBN) 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, CRBN achieves a 11.12% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 3.83% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with CRBN having a 12.75% annualized return and IAU not far ahead at 13.38%.

CRBN

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 4.24%
• YTD: 11.12%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 27.38%
• 3Y*: 21.37%
• 5Y*: 11.14%
• 10Y*: 12.75%

IAU

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 3.83%
• 6M: 6.31%
• 1Y: 32.47%
• 3Y*: 31.39%
• 5Y*: 18.52%
• 10Y*: 13.38%

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

CRBN vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CRBN iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF	11.12%	21.85%	19.29%	22.31%	-19.12%	18.82%	16.83%	28.65%	-9.80%	23.49%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	3.83%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between CRBN and IAU is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2014	0.11

The correlation between CRBN and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (all time) to 0.27 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CRBN vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRBN	IAU
Technology	32.3%	-
Financial Services	18.3%	-
Communication Services	9.6%	-
Industrials	9.4%	-
Healthcare	8.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	-
Real Estate	2.9%	100.0%
Basic Materials	2.5%	-
Energy	2.2%	-
Utilities	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

CRBN vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRBN

CRBN Risk / Return Rank: 63
CRBN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
CRBN Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
CRBN Omega Ratio Rank: 64
CRBN Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
CRBN Martin Ratio Rank: 67

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 34
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 39
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
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.

CRBN vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF (CRBN) 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.

	CRBN	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.24	+0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	1.63	+1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.25	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	1.70	+1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.06	4.18	+7.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CRBN vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRBN Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRBN 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

	CRBN	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	1.24	+0.87
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	1.04	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76	0.84	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.63	+0.07

Drawdowns

CRBN vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRBN drawdown since its inception was -33.13%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRBN and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRBN	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.13%	-45.14%	+12.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.08%	-19.18%	+9.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.60%	-19.18%	+2.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.04%	-20.93%	-6.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.13%	-21.82%	-11.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.64%	-17.02%	+16.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.20%	-15.96%	+10.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	7.79%	-5.51%

Volatility

CRBN vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF (CRBN) is 3.67%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that CRBN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CRBN	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.67%	5.50%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	23.03%	-12.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.05%	26.41%	-13.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.09%	17.94%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.90%	15.90%	+1.00%

CRBN vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRBN has a 0.20% 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

CRBN vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

CRBN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRBN iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF	1.99%	2.21%	1.94%	2.01%	1.95%	1.57%	1.41%	2.27%	2.51%	2.05%	2.27%	2.01%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CRBN and IAU in my portfolio?

CRBN and IAU have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRBN or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to CRBN (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRBN dropped -33.13% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, CRBN or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.38% vs 12.75% for CRBN. On fees, CRBN is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, CRBN has been the lower-risk option at 3.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRBN or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.38% return vs 12.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRBN or IAU?

CRBN is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IAU.

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

CRBN has the higher dividend yield at 1.99%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between CRBN and IAU?

CRBN is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IAU is Gold. CRBN tracks MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for CRBN and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CRBN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.24), 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.