EWK vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EWK (iShares MSCI Belgium ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - EWK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWK returned 6.17%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EWK charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

EWK vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) 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, EWK achieves a 9.09% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, EWK has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 6.17%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

EWK

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 4.22%
• YTD: 9.09%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 22.69%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 6.17%

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)

EWK vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	9.09%	35.38%	0.14%	7.47%	-13.98%	12.84%	0.04%	25.92%	-20.40%	23.70%
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 EWK 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	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2005	0.18

The correlation between EWK and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (10 years) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWK vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWK	IAU
Healthcare	26.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	25.1%	-
Financial Services	16.5%	-
Real Estate	10.3%	100.0%
Industrials	7.7%	-
Basic Materials	5.0%	-
Utilities	3.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.0%	-
Technology	1.7%	-
Communication Services	1.4%	-
Energy	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

EWK vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWK

EWK Risk / Return Rank: 38
EWK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
EWK Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
EWK Omega Ratio Rank: 43
EWK Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
EWK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

EWK vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	EWK	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.23	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	1.62	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.24	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.47	1.69	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.28	4.19	+1.10
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EWK vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWK Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWK 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

	EWK	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.23	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	1.03	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.84	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.62	-0.37

Drawdowns

EWK vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWK drawdown since its inception was -74.10%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWK and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWK	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.10%	-45.14%	-28.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.47%	-19.18%	+3.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.64%	-19.18%	+3.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.22%	-20.93%	-14.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.80%	-21.82%	-20.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.53%	-17.70%	+14.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.54%	-15.96%	-5.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.30%	7.71%	-3.41%

Volatility

EWK vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Belgium ETF (EWK) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 5.54% 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

	EWK	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	5.50%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.75%	23.02%	-10.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.29%	26.42%	-11.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.86%	17.95%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	15.90%	+3.16%

EWK vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWK vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

EWK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWK iShares MSCI Belgium ETF	1.59%	1.73%	3.25%	2.09%	2.58%	3.64%	1.66%	2.77%	2.78%	2.91%	1.75%	2.06%
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 EWK and IAU in my portfolio?

EWK 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, EWK or IAU?

EWK has higher volatility (5.54%) compared to IAU (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWK dropped -74.10% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, EWK or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 6.17% for EWK. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EWK or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 6.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWK or IAU?

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

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

EWK has the higher dividend yield at 1.59%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between EWK and IAU?

EWK is categorized as Europe Equities, while IAU is Gold. EWK tracks MSCI Belgium Investable Market Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWK and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.23), 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.