FLGB vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FLGB (Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - FLGB is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE UK RIC Capped Index, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLGB returned 17.88%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

FLGB vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLGB achieves a 6.90% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

FLGB

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: 1.23%
• YTD: 6.90%
• 6M: 10.66%
• 1Y: 20.66%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 10.82%
• 10Y*: —

IAUM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -9.51%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.08%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 29.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLGB vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FLGB Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF	6.90%	33.73%	8.77%	14.33%	-6.00%	2.71%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between FLGB and IAUM is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.31

Return for Risk

FLGB vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLGB

FLGB Risk / Return Rank: 44
FLGB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FLGB Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
FLGB Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FLGB Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FLGB Martin Ratio Rank: 47

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 27
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 31
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

FLGB vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). 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.

	FLGB	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.36	0.90	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	1.26	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.19	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	1.00	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.84	2.87	+3.97

FLGB vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLGB Sharpe Ratio is 1.36, which is higher than the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLGB and IAUM, 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

FLGB vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLGB drawdown since its inception was -42.61%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLGB and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLGB	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.61%	-24.37%	-18.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.26%	-24.37%	+14.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.13%	-24.37%	+11.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.09%	-21.99%	+18.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.68%	-5.38%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	8.46%	-5.57%

Volatility

FLGB vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF (FLGB) is 5.27%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that FLGB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLGB	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	7.71%	-2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	23.82%	-11.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.48%	27.06%	-12.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.67%	18.05%	-1.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.97%	18.05%	+0.92%

FLGB vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FLGB and IAUM have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FLGB vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

FLGB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.27%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLGB Franklin FTSE United Kingdom ETF	3.27%	3.50%	4.42%	3.95%	4.23%	2.93%	2.67%	4.30%	3.92%	0.43%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	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 FLGB and IAUM in my portfolio?

FLGB and IAUM have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLGB or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to FLGB (5.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLGB dropped -42.61% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, FLGB or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs 17.88% for FLGB. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, FLGB has been the lower-risk option at 5.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLGB or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs 17.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLGB or IAUM?

FLGB and IAUM have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLGB or IAUM?

FLGB has the higher dividend yield at 3.27%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between FLGB and IAUM?

FLGB is categorized as Europe Equities, while IAUM is Gold. FLGB tracks FTSE UK RIC Capped Index, while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLGB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.36 vs 0.90), 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.