HEZU vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

HEZU (iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - HEZU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI EMU 100% USD Hedged Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HEZU returned 11.73%/yr vs 12.97%/yr for IAU. At a correlation of -0.04, they often move in opposite directions. HEZU charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

HEZU vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) 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, HEZU achieves a 8.75% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 0.06% return. Over the past 10 years, HEZU has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 11.73%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.97% annualized return.

HEZU

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 8.75%
• 6M: 10.10%
• 1Y: 18.64%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 11.73%

IAU

• 1D: -3.63%
• 1M: -8.02%
• YTD: 0.06%
• 6M: 2.63%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 29.73%
• 5Y*: 17.65%
• 10Y*: 12.97%

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

HEZU vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HEZU iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF	8.75%	25.93%	10.63%	22.98%	-9.54%	23.51%	0.52%	29.48%	-10.23%	14.26%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.06%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between HEZU and IAU is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.12
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2014	-0.04

The correlation between HEZU and IAU shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (all time) to 0.19 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HEZU vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEZU	IAU
Financial Services	24.4%	-
Industrials	21.2%	-
Technology	14.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Utilities	6.8%	-
Healthcare	5.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	-
Energy	4.2%	-
Basic Materials	4.1%	-
Communication Services	4.1%	-
Real Estate	1.0%	100.0%

Return for Risk

HEZU vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEZU

HEZU Risk / Return Rank: 37
HEZU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
HEZU Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
HEZU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
HEZU Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
HEZU Martin Ratio Rank: 43

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 29
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

HEZU vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) 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.

	HEZU	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	1.07	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.82	1.45	+0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.22	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.71	1.42	+0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.61	3.60	+3.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HEZU vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEZU Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEZU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HEZU	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24	1.07	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.98	-0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	0.82	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.61	-0.05

Drawdowns

HEZU vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEZU drawdown since its inception was -38.80%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEZU and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEZU	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.80%	-45.14%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.95%	-20.04%	+9.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.83%	-20.04%	+5.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.79%	-20.93%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.80%	-21.82%	-16.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.81%	-20.04%	+18.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.83%	-15.97%	+10.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	7.89%	-5.06%

Volatility

HEZU vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) is 4.86%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 5.64%. This indicates that HEZU 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

	HEZU	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.86%	5.64%	-0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.56%	23.33%	-10.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.10%	26.67%	-11.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.49%	18.01%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.43%	15.94%	+2.49%

HEZU vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEZU has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEZU vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

HEZU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEZU iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF	2.69%	2.92%	2.77%	2.52%	23.26%	2.25%	2.32%	5.40%	3.48%	1.92%	3.11%	2.68%
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

Can I hold both HEZU and IAU in my portfolio?

HEZU and IAU have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEZU or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.64%) compared to HEZU (4.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEZU dropped -38.80% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, HEZU or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.97% vs 11.73% for HEZU. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, HEZU has been the lower-risk option at 4.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEZU or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.97% return vs 11.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEZU or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for HEZU.

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

HEZU has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between HEZU and IAU?

HEZU is categorized as Europe Equities, while IAU is Gold. HEZU tracks MSCI EMU 100% USD Hedged Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for HEZU and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HEZU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 1.07), 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.