FPXE vs. IGLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FPXE (First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF) and IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FPXE is a Europe Equities fund tracking the IPOX 100 Europe Index, while IGLD is a Gold fund actively managed by First Trust. FPXE is passively managed, while IGLD is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPXE returned 4.98%/yr vs 12.76%/yr for IGLD. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FPXE charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for IGLD.

Performance

FPXE vs. IGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPXE achieves a 12.36% return, which is significantly higher than IGLD's -5.55% return.

FPXE

• 1D: -2.62%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 12.36%
• 6M: 11.77%
• 1Y: 17.72%
• 3Y*: 21.43%
• 5Y*: 4.98%
• 10Y*: —

IGLD

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: -8.08%
• YTD: -5.55%
• 6M: -8.37%
• 1Y: 14.83%
• 3Y*: 20.33%
• 5Y*: 12.76%
• 10Y*: —

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

FPXE vs. IGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FPXE First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF	12.36%	24.46%	16.31%	14.45%	-35.13%	7.43%
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	-5.55%	47.46%	19.36%	9.24%	-2.34%	4.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FPXE and IGLD is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2021	0.27

The correlation between FPXE and IGLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (5 years) to 0.37 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FPXE vs. IGLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPXE

FPXE Risk / Return Rank: 30
FPXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FPXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FPXE Omega Ratio Rank: 27
FPXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
FPXE Martin Ratio Rank: 35

IGLD

IGLD Risk / Return Rank: 18
IGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
IGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
IGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
IGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

FPXE vs. IGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). 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.

	FPXE	IGLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	0.61	+0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	0.94	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.14	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	0.68	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.83	1.94	+2.89

FPXE vs. IGLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPXE Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is higher than the IGLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPXE and IGLD, 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

FPXE vs. IGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPXE drawdown since its inception was -49.55%, which is greater than IGLD's maximum drawdown of -21.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPXE and IGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPXE	IGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.55%	-21.90%	-27.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.33%	-21.90%	+10.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.28%	-21.90%	+2.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.55%	-21.90%	-27.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.00%	-21.20%	+18.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.60%	-5.37%	-9.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.68%	7.68%	-4.00%

Volatility

FPXE vs. IGLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) is 7.44%, while FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) has a volatility of 8.14%. This indicates that FPXE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IGLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPXE	IGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.44%	8.14%	-0.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.09%	22.34%	-5.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.42%	24.40%	-4.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.92%	15.48%	+6.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.23%	15.30%	+6.93%

FPXE vs. IGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPXE has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than IGLD's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPXE vs. IGLD - Dividend Comparison

FPXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than IGLD's 19.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FPXE First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF	1.02%	1.15%	2.10%	2.03%	1.81%	0.47%	1.35%	2.06%
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	19.29%	9.91%	20.81%	7.85%	4.45%	2.24%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPXE and IGLD in my portfolio?

FPXE and IGLD have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPXE or IGLD?

IGLD has higher volatility (8.14%) compared to FPXE (7.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPXE dropped -49.55% vs IGLD's -21.90%.

Which ETF is better, FPXE or IGLD?

On 5-year performance, IGLD leads with 12.76% vs 4.98% for FPXE. On fees, FPXE is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, FPXE has been the lower-risk option at 7.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPXE or IGLD?

Over the 5-year period, IGLD has performed better with a 12.76% return vs 4.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPXE or IGLD?

FPXE is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IGLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPXE or IGLD?

IGLD has the higher dividend yield at 19.29%, compared with 1.02% for FPXE.

What is the main difference between FPXE and IGLD?

FPXE is categorized as Europe Equities, while IGLD is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FPXE and 0.85% for IGLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 vs 0.61), 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.