IAU vs. GOLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

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

Performance

IAU vs. GOLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IAU achieves a -2.44% return, which is significantly lower than GOLD's 31.00% return.

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%

GOLD

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

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

IAU vs. GOLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

The correlation between IAU and GOLD 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

IAU vs. GOLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

GOLD

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

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.

IAU vs. GOLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and Barrick Mining Corporation (GOLD). 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.

	IAU	GOLD	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

IAU vs. GOLD - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IAU	GOLD	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	27.17%	58.55%	-31.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.16%	58.55%	-40.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.02%	58.55%	-42.53%

Dividends

IAU vs. GOLD - Dividend Comparison

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IAU and GOLD in my portfolio?

IAU and GOLD 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.