DDLS vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

DDLS (WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - DDLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DDLS returned 9.73%/yr vs 12.71%/yr for IAU. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DDLS charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

DDLS vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) 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, DDLS achieves a 4.38% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 0.26% return. Over the past 10 years, DDLS has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 9.73%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.71% annualized return.

DDLS

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: -2.20%
• YTD: 4.38%
• 6M: 6.82%
• 1Y: 19.34%
• 3Y*: 16.54%
• 5Y*: 9.39%
• 10Y*: 9.73%

IAU

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -8.43%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 3.08%
• 1Y: 30.27%
• 3Y*: 29.88%
• 5Y*: 17.71%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

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

DDLS vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DDLS WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund	4.38%	27.97%	10.22%	15.25%	-10.13%	17.75%	-2.95%	24.84%	-16.92%	26.91%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.26%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between DDLS and IAU is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2016	0.12

The correlation between DDLS and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (all time) to 0.29 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DDLS vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDLS	IAU
Industrials	25.1%	-
Financial Services	12.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	-
Basic Materials	8.0%	-
Technology	7.8%	-
Real Estate	6.3%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	-
Communication Services	3.7%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Healthcare	2.7%	-
Utilities	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

DDLS vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDLS

DDLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DDLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DDLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DDLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DDLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
DDLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 33
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
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.

DDLS vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) 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.

	DDLS	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.14	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	1.52	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.23	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	1.52	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.73	3.80	+2.93
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDLS vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDLS 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

	DDLS	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.14	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68	0.99	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	0.80	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.61	+0.02

Drawdowns

DDLS vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDLS drawdown since its inception was -36.80%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDLS and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDLS	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.80%	-45.14%	+8.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.69%	-20.04%	+9.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.66%	-20.04%	+8.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.87%	-20.93%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.80%	-21.82%	-14.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.42%	-19.88%	+15.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-15.97%	+10.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	7.99%	-5.11%

Volatility

DDLS vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund (DDLS) is 3.81%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 5.64%. This indicates that DDLS 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

	DDLS	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	5.64%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.74%	23.33%	-12.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	26.68%	-13.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.78%	18.02%	-4.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.61%	15.94%	-0.33%

DDLS vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDLS has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDLS vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

DDLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.59%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
DDLS WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Fund	3.59%	3.80%	4.11%	4.05%	5.44%	3.18%	3.16%	3.68%	1.75%	1.60%	3.47%
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 DDLS and IAU in my portfolio?

DDLS and IAU have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDLS or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to DDLS (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDLS dropped -36.80% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, DDLS or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.71% vs 9.73% for DDLS. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DDLS has been the lower-risk option at 3.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDLS or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 9.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDLS or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for DDLS.

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

DDLS has the higher dividend yield at 3.59%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between DDLS and IAU?

DDLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. DDLS tracks WisdomTree Dynamic Currency Hedged International SmallCap Equity Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for DDLS and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DDLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.14), 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.