GLDB vs. IAU
GLDB (Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - GLDB is a Nontraditional Bonds fund tracking the Solactive Gold Backed Bond Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GLDB charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.
Performance
GLDB vs. IAU - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GLDB achieves a -18.42% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's -4.73% return.
GLDB
- 1D
- -3.65%
- 1M
- -16.66%
- YTD
- -18.42%
- 6M
- -20.43%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
IAU
- 1D
- -1.87%
- 1M
- -8.82%
- YTD
- -4.73%
- 6M
- -8.68%
- 1Y
- 21.45%
- 3Y*
- 28.61%
- 5Y*
- 18.02%
- 10Y*
- 11.76%
GLDB vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
GLDB Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF | -18.42% | -3.56% |
IAU iShares Gold Trust | -4.73% | 4.67% |
Correlation
The correlation between GLDB and IAU is 0.80, 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 24, 2025 | 0.80 |
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Return for Risk
GLDB vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank
GLDB
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
IAU
GLDB vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF (GLDB) 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.
| GLDB | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.17 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 0.88 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 2.37 | — |
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Drawdowns
GLDB vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GLDB drawdown since its inception was -35.08%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLDB and IAU.
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Drawdown Indicators
| GLDB | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -35.08% | -45.14% | +10.06% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -24.40% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -24.40% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -24.40% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -24.40% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -35.08% | -23.87% | -11.21% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -14.76% | -15.97% | +1.21% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 9.07% | — |
Volatility
GLDB vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| GLDB | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 8.10% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 24.23% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 40.15% | 27.38% | +12.77% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 40.15% | 18.18% | +21.97% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 40.15% | 15.98% | +24.17% |
GLDB vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison
GLDB has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.
Dividends
GLDB vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison
GLDB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.23%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
GLDB Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF | 0.23% | 0.19% |
IAU iShares Gold Trust | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
GLDB and IAU have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
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.
IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for GLDB.
GLDB has the higher dividend yield at 0.23%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.
GLDB is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while IAU is Gold. GLDB tracks Solactive Gold Backed Bond Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Strategy Shares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for GLDB and 0.25% for IAU.
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