GOLD vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GOLD (Barrick Mining Corporation) is a stock, while IAU (iShares Gold Trust) is Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

GOLD vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD) 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, GOLD achieves a 31.00% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return.

GOLD

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 7.64%
• YTD: 31.00%
• 6M: 40.62%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -10.21%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 23.95%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

GOLD vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GOLD Barrick Mining Corporation	31.00%	13.01%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	1.70%

Correlation

The correlation between GOLD and IAU is 0.52, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.52

Return for Risk

GOLD vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GOLD

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

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.

GOLD vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD) 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.

	GOLD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.89	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.25	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.99	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	2.83	—

Drawdowns

GOLD vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GOLD drawdown since its inception was -40.58%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GOLD and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GOLD	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.58%	-45.14%	+4.56%
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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.46%	-22.03%	-8.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.05%	-15.97%	-2.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.47%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GOLD	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.94%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.55%	27.17%	+31.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	58.55%	18.16%	+40.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	58.55%	16.02%	+42.53%

Dividends

GOLD vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

GOLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
GOLD Barrick Mining Corporation	0.90%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GOLD and IAU in my portfolio?

GOLD and IAU have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.