FLRT vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FLRT (Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - FLRT is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Pacific Life, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. FLRT is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FLRT returned 4.82%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.05 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLRT charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

FLRT vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) 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, FLRT achieves a 1.83% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return. Over the past 10 years, FLRT has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 4.82%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.31% annualized return.

FLRT

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 1.83%
• 6M: 2.22%
• 1Y: 5.74%
• 3Y*: 8.69%
• 5Y*: 5.97%
• 10Y*: 4.82%

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)

FLRT vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLRT Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF	1.83%	6.24%	9.18%	14.59%	-2.72%	3.18%	2.78%	9.44%	-1.14%	1.72%
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 FLRT and IAU is -0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.03
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2015	0.05

The correlation between FLRT and IAU shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (1 year) to 0.08 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FLRT vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLRT	IAU
Financial Services	99.2%	-
Communication Services	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FLRT vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLRT

FLRT Risk / Return Rank: 87
FLRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
FLRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
FLRT Omega Ratio Rank: 97
FLRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FLRT Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

FLRT vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) 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.

	FLRT	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.67	0.89	+2.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.67	1.25	+4.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.87	1.19	+0.69
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	0.99	+2.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.05	2.83	+9.22

FLRT vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLRT Sharpe Ratio is 3.67, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLRT 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

FLRT vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLRT drawdown since its inception was -20.96%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLRT and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLRT	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.96%	-45.14%	+24.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.78%	-24.40%	+22.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.87%	-24.40%	+21.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-7.60%	-24.40%	+16.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.96%	-24.40%	+3.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-22.03%	+21.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.41%	-15.97%	+14.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.48%	8.47%	-7.99%

Volatility

FLRT vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF (FLRT) is 0.45%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that FLRT 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

	FLRT	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.45%	7.70%	-7.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.22%	23.94%	-22.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.60%	27.17%	-25.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.30%	18.16%	-15.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.14%	16.02%	-9.88%

FLRT vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLRT has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLRT vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

FLRT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.81%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FLRT Pacific Global Senior Loan ETF	6.81%	6.93%	7.93%	8.40%	5.81%	3.16%	3.52%	4.30%	3.95%	3.20%	3.38%	3.21%
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 FLRT and IAU in my portfolio?

FLRT and IAU have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLRT or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to FLRT (0.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLRT dropped -20.96% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, FLRT or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.31% vs 4.82% for FLRT. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FLRT has been the lower-risk option at 0.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLRT or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.31% return vs 4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLRT or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for FLRT.

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

FLRT has the higher dividend yield at 6.81%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between FLRT and IAU?

FLRT is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while IAU is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Pacific Life and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for FLRT and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.67 vs 0.89), 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.