GDXW vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GDXW (Roundhill Gold Miners Weeklypay ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both Gold funds. GDXW is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GDXW charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

GDXW vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Gold Miners Weeklypay ETF (GDXW) 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, GDXW achieves a -4.89% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's 2.98% return.

GDXW

• 1D: -4.02%
• 1M: -1.27%
• YTD: -4.89%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

GDXW vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GDXW Roundhill Gold Miners Weeklypay ETF	-4.89%	21.25%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	2.98%	7.10%

Correlation

The correlation between GDXW and IAU is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

GDXW vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

GDXW vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Gold Miners Weeklypay ETF (GDXW) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GDXW	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.62	-0.17

Drawdowns

GDXW vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDXW drawdown since its inception was -36.83%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDXW and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDXW	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.83%	-45.14%	+8.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.99%	-17.70%	-15.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.45%	-15.96%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GDXW	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.39%	26.42%	+34.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	61.39%	17.95%	+43.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.39%	15.90%	+45.49%

GDXW vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDXW has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDXW vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

GDXW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 39.39%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
GDXW Roundhill Gold Miners Weeklypay ETF	39.39%	7.48%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDXW and IAU in my portfolio?

GDXW and IAU have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GDXW or IAU?

On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDXW or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for GDXW.

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

GDXW has the higher dividend yield at 39.39%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between GDXW and IAU?

They also come from different issuers: Roundhill and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for GDXW and 0.25% for IAU.