ETHB vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ETHB (iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ETHB is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

ETHB vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ETHB

• 1D: -5.62%
• 1M: -23.55%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

ETHB vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ETHB iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF	-13.09%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-12.61%

Correlation

The correlation between ETHB and IAU is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 13, 2026	0.38

Return for Risk

ETHB vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

ETHB vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ETHB	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.98	0.62	-1.60

Drawdowns

ETHB vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETHB drawdown since its inception was -25.90%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETHB and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETHB	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.90%	-45.14%	+19.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.90%	-17.70%	-8.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.89%	-15.96%	+8.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ETHB	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.62%	26.42%	+21.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	47.62%	17.95%	+29.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	47.62%	15.90%	+31.72%

ETHB vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both ETHB and IAU have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ETHB vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither ETHB nor IAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETHB and IAU in my portfolio?

ETHB and IAU have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ETHB or IAU?

Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETHB or IAU?

ETHB and IAU have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

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

ETHB and IAU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between ETHB and IAU?

ETHB is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while IAU is Gold. ETHB tracks CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price.