ECNS vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ECNS (iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ECNS is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the MSCI China Small Cap Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ECNS returned 1.88%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ECNS charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

ECNS vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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, ECNS achieves a -4.50% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, ECNS has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 1.88%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

ECNS

• 1D: -2.25%
• 1M: -6.37%
• YTD: -4.50%
• 6M: -7.48%
• 1Y: 13.77%
• 3Y*: 7.43%
• 5Y*: -6.97%
• 10Y*: 1.88%

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)

ECNS vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	-4.50%	36.49%	5.64%	-23.05%	-24.58%	2.11%	25.42%	7.84%	-18.27%	27.55%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	2.98%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between ECNS and IAU is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2010	0.12

Over the past year, ECNS and IAU have become more correlated (0.34) than their long-term average of 0.12, meaning their price movements have been converging.

ECNS vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ECNS	IAU
Healthcare	19.8%	-
Technology	16.9%	-
Industrials	16.2%	-
Real Estate	8.8%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	-
Basic Materials	7.8%	-
Communication Services	4.5%	-
Financial Services	4.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	-
Energy	3.4%	-
Utilities	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

ECNS vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ECNS

ECNS Risk / Return Rank: 19
ECNS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
ECNS Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
ECNS Omega Ratio Rank: 20
ECNS Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
ECNS Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

ECNS vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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.

	ECNS	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	1.23	-0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	1.62	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.24	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.76	1.69	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.51	4.19	-2.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ECNS vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ECNS Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is lower than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ECNS 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

	ECNS	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66	1.23	-0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.24	1.03	-1.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.07	0.84	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.02	0.62	-0.60

Drawdowns

ECNS vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ECNS drawdown since its inception was -63.43%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ECNS and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ECNS	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.43%	-45.14%	-18.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.08%	-19.18%	+1.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.72%	-19.18%	-12.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.61%	-20.93%	-38.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.43%	-21.82%	-41.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.52%	-17.70%	-20.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.39%	-15.96%	-13.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.14%	7.71%	+1.43%

Volatility

ECNS vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 5.64% and 5.50%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ECNS	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.64%	5.50%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.87%	23.02%	-10.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.92%	26.42%	-5.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.44%	17.95%	+11.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.90%	15.90%	+10.00%

ECNS vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ECNS vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

ECNS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.49%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECNS iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF	6.49%	6.20%	5.98%	4.89%	3.54%	4.87%	3.59%	3.23%	6.16%	3.18%	4.29%	3.58%
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 ECNS and IAU in my portfolio?

ECNS and IAU have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ECNS or IAU?

ECNS has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to IAU (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ECNS dropped -63.43% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, ECNS or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 1.88% for ECNS. 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, ECNS or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ECNS or IAU?

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

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

ECNS has the higher dividend yield at 6.49%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between ECNS and IAU?

ECNS is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while IAU is Gold. ECNS tracks MSCI China Small Cap Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ECNS and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.66), 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.