FGM vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FGM (First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - FGM is a Europe Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Germany Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FGM returned 8.76%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FGM charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

FGM vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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, FGM achieves a 3.19% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return. Over the past 10 years, FGM has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 8.76%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.31% annualized return.

FGM

• 1D: 1.21%
• 1M: -2.19%
• YTD: 3.19%
• 6M: 4.60%
• 1Y: 18.86%
• 3Y*: 20.38%
• 5Y*: 4.13%
• 10Y*: 8.76%

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

FGM vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGM First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund	3.19%	63.60%	1.36%	13.28%	-30.46%	6.10%	17.26%	20.77%	-25.14%	44.28%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between FGM 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	0.27
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 Feb 17, 2012	0.11

Over the past year, FGM and IAU have become more correlated (0.34) than their long-term average of 0.11, meaning their price movements have been converging.

FGM vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGM	IAU
Industrials	40.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	16.6%	-
Real Estate	10.8%	100.0%
Basic Materials	9.0%	-
Financial Services	8.2%	-
Healthcare	6.4%	-
Communication Services	3.2%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	-
Energy	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

FGM vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGM

FGM Risk / Return Rank: 25
FGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
FGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FGM Omega Ratio Rank: 25
FGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FGM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

FGM vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FGM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	0.89	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.28	1.25	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.19	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	0.99	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.01	2.83	+0.17

FGM vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGM Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGM 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.

Drawdowns

FGM vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGM drawdown since its inception was -51.58%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGM and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGM	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.58%	-45.14%	-6.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.76%	-24.40%	+6.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.93%	-24.40%	+6.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.22%	-24.40%	-25.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.58%	-24.40%	-27.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.26%	-22.03%	+13.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.72%	-15.97%	+1.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.81%	8.47%	-2.66%

Volatility

FGM vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) is 6.75%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that FGM 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

	FGM	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.75%	7.70%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.55%	23.94%	-6.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.94%	27.17%	-6.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.54%	18.16%	+6.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.11%	16.02%	+7.09%

FGM vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGM has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGM vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

FGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGM First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund	0.64%	0.66%	2.56%	2.82%	5.44%	1.43%	1.33%	2.30%	2.18%	2.11%	1.33%	1.13%
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 FGM and IAU in my portfolio?

FGM 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, FGM or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to FGM (6.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGM dropped -51.58% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, FGM or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.31% vs 8.76% for FGM. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FGM has been the lower-risk option at 6.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGM or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.31% return vs 8.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGM or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FGM.

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

FGM has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between FGM and IAU?

FGM is categorized as Europe Equities, while IAU is Gold. FGM tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Germany Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FGM and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs 0.84), 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.