IAUM vs. GOEX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) and GOEX (Global X Gold Explorers ETF) are both Gold funds - IAUM tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM while GOEX tracks the Solactive Global Gold Explorers & Developers Total Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IAUM returned 28.82%/yr vs 46.70%/yr for GOEX. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IAUM charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for GOEX.

Performance

IAUM vs. GOEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) and Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IAUM achieves a -4.68% return, which is significantly higher than GOEX's -10.87% return.

IAUM

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -8.79%
• YTD: -4.68%
• 6M: -8.59%
• 1Y: 21.67%
• 3Y*: 28.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GOEX

• 1D: -4.76%
• 1M: -7.11%
• YTD: -10.87%
• 6M: -15.49%
• 1Y: 57.11%
• 3Y*: 46.70%
• 5Y*: 19.54%
• 10Y*: 11.97%

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

IAUM vs. GOEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-4.68%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%
GOEX Global X Gold Explorers ETF	-10.87%	179.50%	19.38%	1.99%	-14.63%	-3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between IAUM and GOEX is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.78

The correlation between IAUM and GOEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IAUM vs. GOEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 22
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 21

GOEX

GOEX Risk / Return Rank: 31
GOEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GOEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
GOEX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GOEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
GOEX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

IAUM vs. GOEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) and Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX). 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.

	IAUM	GOEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.80	1.11	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	1.58	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.21	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	1.45	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.40	3.84	-1.44

IAUM vs. GOEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IAUM Sharpe Ratio is 0.80, which is comparable to the GOEX Sharpe Ratio of 1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IAUM and GOEX, 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

IAUM vs. GOEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IAUM drawdown since its inception was -24.37%, smaller than the maximum GOEX drawdown of -88.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IAUM and GOEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IAUM	GOEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.37%	-88.83%	+64.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.37%	-39.64%	+15.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.37%	-39.64%	+15.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-47.16%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-53.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.81%	-34.22%	+10.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-63.47%	+58.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.06%	14.92%	-5.86%

Volatility

IAUM vs. GOEX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) is 8.12%, while Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX) has a volatility of 18.46%. This indicates that IAUM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GOEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IAUM	GOEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.12%	18.46%	-10.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.11%	42.70%	-18.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.27%	51.52%	-24.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.10%	39.57%	-21.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	40.17%	-22.07%

IAUM vs. GOEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IAUM has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than GOEX's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

IAUM vs. GOEX - Dividend Comparison

IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GOEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GOEX Global X Gold Explorers ETF	2.33%	2.08%	2.46%	0.05%	1.04%	2.35%	2.62%	1.60%	0.00%	0.00%	38.91%	11.70%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	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 IAUM and GOEX in my portfolio?

IAUM and GOEX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IAUM or GOEX?

GOEX has higher volatility (18.46%) compared to IAUM (8.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IAUM dropped -24.37% vs GOEX's -88.83%.

Which ETF is better, IAUM or GOEX?

On 3-year performance, GOEX leads with 46.70% vs 28.82% for IAUM. On fees, IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IAUM has been the lower-risk option at 8.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IAUM or GOEX?

Over the 3-year period, GOEX has performed better with a 46.70% return vs 28.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IAUM or GOEX?

IAUM is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for GOEX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IAUM or GOEX?

GOEX has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between IAUM and GOEX?

IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while GOEX tracks Solactive Global Gold Explorers & Developers Total Return. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IAUM and 0.65% for GOEX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GOEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.11 vs 0.80), 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.