GSIE vs. IAU
GSIE (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - GSIE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GSIE returned 9.39%/yr vs 11.59%/yr for IAU. Their 0.20 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.
Performance
GSIE vs. IAU - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GSIE achieves a 8.75% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -6.09% return. Over the past 10 years, GSIE has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 9.39%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 11.59% annualized return.
GSIE
- 1D
- 0.46%
- 1M
- 1.03%
- 6M
- 5.39%
- YTD
- 8.75%
- 1Y
- 17.13%
- 3Y*
- 15.96%
- 5Y*
- 8.63%
- 10Y*
- 9.39%
- ALL TIME*
- 8.80%
IAU
- 1D
- 0.11%
- 1M
- 0.69%
- 6M
- -18.72%
- YTD
- -6.09%
- 1Y
- 21.17%
- 3Y*
- 26.99%
- 5Y*
- 17.33%
- 10Y*
- 11.59%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.72%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $16.98M | $19.56M | $19.60M | |
| $367.78M | $389.80M | $488.83M |
GSIE vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF | 8.75% | 32.53% | 5.23% | 16.99% | -15.86% | 13.27% | 7.45% | 22.83% | -13.40% | 26.22% |
IAU iShares Gold Trust | -6.09% | 63.95% | 26.85% | 12.84% | -0.63% | -4.00% | 25.03% | 17.98% | -1.76% | 12.91% |
Correlation
The correlation between GSIE and IAU is 0.47, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.47 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.36 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.33 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.24 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 10, 2015 | 0.20 |
Over the past year, GSIE and IAU have become more correlated (0.47) than their long-term average of 0.20, meaning their price movements have been converging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
GSIE vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank
GSIE
IAU
GSIE vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) 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.
| GSIE | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.45 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.65 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.21 | 1.15 | +0.06 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.58 | 0.76 | +0.82 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.99 | 1.72 | +4.27 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
GSIE vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GSIE drawdown since its inception was -34.63%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSIE and IAU.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| GSIE | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -34.63% | -45.14% | +10.51% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.76% | -26.36% | +15.60% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.07% | -26.36% | +13.29% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.97% | -26.36% | -3.61% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -34.63% | -26.36% | -8.27% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.06% | -24.95% | +23.89% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.99% | -16.01% | +10.02% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.84% | 11.65% | -8.81% |
Volatility
GSIE vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF (GSIE) is 3.56%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 6.07%. This indicates that GSIE 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| GSIE | IAU | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.56% | 6.07% | -2.51% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.39% | 23.78% | -11.39% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.49% | 27.88% | -13.39% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.08% | 18.39% | -2.31% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.49% | 16.06% | +0.43% |
GSIE vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both GSIE and IAU have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
GSIE vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison
GSIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GSIE Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF | 2.56% | 2.65% | 3.11% | 2.87% | 3.01% | 2.40% | 1.60% | 2.80% | 2.68% | 2.31% | 2.15% | 0.13% |
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
GSIE and IAU have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
IAU has higher volatility (6.07%) compared to GSIE (3.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSIE dropped -34.63% vs IAU's -45.14%.
On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 11.59% vs 9.39% for GSIE. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, GSIE has been the lower-risk option at 3.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 11.59% return vs 9.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
GSIE and IAU have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.
GSIE has the higher dividend yield at 2.56%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.
GSIE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. GSIE tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and iShares.
GSIE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 0.72), 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.
Find the right allocation for GSIE and IAU
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer