EIRL vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EIRL (iShares MSCI Ireland ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - EIRL is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EIRL returned 8.09%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EIRL charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

EIRL vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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, EIRL achieves a 3.82% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, EIRL has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 8.09%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

EIRL

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: 5.57%
• YTD: 3.82%
• 6M: 5.87%
• 1Y: 19.14%
• 3Y*: 13.07%
• 5Y*: 6.56%
• 10Y*: 8.09%

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)

EIRL vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	3.82%	28.82%	-1.64%	35.13%	-18.83%	13.72%	9.63%	28.15%	-21.92%	29.82%
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 EIRL and IAU is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2010	0.11

The correlation between EIRL and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (all time) to 0.28 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EIRL vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EIRL	IAU
Financial Services	34.0%	-
Industrials	24.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	14.6%	-
Healthcare	10.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	-
Energy	4.8%	-
Real Estate	2.1%	100.0%
Basic Materials	0.5%	-
Technology	0.3%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

EIRL vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EIRL

EIRL Risk / Return Rank: 29
EIRL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
EIRL Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
EIRL Omega Ratio Rank: 29
EIRL Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
EIRL Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

EIRL vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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.

	EIRL	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.23	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	1.62	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.24	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	1.69	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.41	4.19	+0.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EIRL vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EIRL Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EIRL 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

	EIRL	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.07	1.23	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	1.03	-0.72
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	0.84	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.62	-0.19

Drawdowns

EIRL vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EIRL drawdown since its inception was -46.48%, roughly equal to the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EIRL and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EIRL	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.48%	-45.14%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.28%	-19.18%	+4.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.04%	-19.18%	-3.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.14%	-20.93%	-19.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.48%	-21.82%	-24.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-17.70%	+16.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.11%	-15.96%	+6.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	7.71%	-3.36%

Volatility

EIRL vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 5.72% 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

	EIRL	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.72%	5.50%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.82%	23.02%	-8.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	26.42%	-8.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.17%	17.95%	+3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.76%	15.90%	+5.86%

EIRL vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EIRL has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

EIRL vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

EIRL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.61%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EIRL iShares MSCI Ireland ETF	2.61%	2.71%	2.56%	1.00%	1.13%	0.82%	0.50%	2.11%	1.52%	1.44%	1.34%	1.70%
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 EIRL and IAU in my portfolio?

EIRL and IAU have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EIRL or IAU?

EIRL has higher volatility (5.72%) compared to IAU (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EIRL dropped -46.48% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, EIRL or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 8.09% for EIRL. 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, EIRL or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EIRL or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EIRL.

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

EIRL has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between EIRL and IAU?

EIRL is categorized as Europe Equities, while IAU is Gold. EIRL tracks MSCI Ireland Investable Market 25/50 Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EIRL and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 1.07), 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.