HERO vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

HERO (Global X Video Games & Esports ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - HERO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Solactive Video Games & Esports Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HERO returned -4.76%/yr vs 17.23%/yr for IAU. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HERO charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

HERO vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) 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, HERO achieves a -17.16% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's -2.44% return.

HERO

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -5.24%
• YTD: -17.16%
• 6M: -17.60%
• 1Y: -19.33%
• 3Y*: 7.42%
• 5Y*: -4.76%
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

HERO vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HERO Global X Video Games & Esports ETF	-17.16%	28.74%	17.65%	8.36%	-33.42%	-8.37%	91.02%	9.12%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between HERO and IAU is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.22

HERO vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HERO	IAU
Communication Services	93.0%	-
Technology	5.6%	-
Industrials	1.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HERO vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

HERO

HERO Risk / Return Rank: 2
HERO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
HERO Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
HERO Omega Ratio Rank: 2
HERO Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
HERO Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

HERO vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) 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.

	HERO	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.01	0.89	-1.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.34	1.25	-2.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	1.19	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.70	0.99	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.33	2.83	-4.16

HERO vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HERO Sharpe Ratio is -1.01, which is lower than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HERO and IAU, 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

HERO vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HERO drawdown since its inception was -54.02%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HERO and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	HERO	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.02%	-45.14%	-8.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.08%	-24.40%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.08%	-24.40%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.06%	-24.40%	-23.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.29%	-22.03%	-8.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.97%	-15.97%	-10.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.82%	8.47%	+6.35%

Volatility

HERO vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) is 4.45%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that HERO 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.

Volatility by Period

	HERO	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.45%	7.70%	-3.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.21%	23.94%	-8.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.53%	27.17%	-7.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.36%	18.16%	+5.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.46%	16.02%	+8.44%

HERO vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

HERO has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

HERO vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

HERO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HERO Global X Video Games & Esports ETF	1.96%	1.62%	1.06%	0.73%	0.28%	0.79%	0.71%	0.17%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HERO and IAU in my portfolio?

HERO and IAU have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HERO or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to HERO (4.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HERO dropped -54.02% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, HERO or IAU?

On 5-year performance, IAU leads with 17.23% vs -4.76% for HERO. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HERO has been the lower-risk option at 4.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HERO or IAU?

Over the 5-year period, IAU has performed better with a 17.23% return vs -4.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HERO or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HERO.

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

HERO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between HERO and IAU?

HERO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IAU is Gold. HERO tracks Solactive Video Games & Esports Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HERO and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs -1.01), 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.