IAUM vs. IWM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) and IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IAUM returned 31.53%/yr vs 17.88%/yr for IWM. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IAUM charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for IWM.

Performance

IAUM vs. IWM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IAUM achieves a 3.00% return, which is significantly lower than IWM's 17.07% return.

IAUM

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -1.62%
• YTD: 3.00%
• 6M: 5.58%
• 1Y: 32.42%
• 3Y*: 31.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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

IAUM vs. IWM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	3.00%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	-2.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IAUM and IWM is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2021	0.15

IAUM vs. IWM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IAUM	IWM
Real Estate	100.0%	5.7%
Basic Materials	-	4.5%
Communication Services	-	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.1%
Energy	-	6.0%
Financial Services	-	15.8%
Healthcare	-	15.8%
Industrials	-	17.1%
Technology	-	19.5%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

IAUM vs. IWM — Risk / Return Rank

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

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 32
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 36
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 29

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. IWM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM). 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.

	IAUM	IWM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	2.05	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	2.85	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	3.56	-1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.22	12.64	-8.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IAUM vs. IWM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IAUM Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is lower than the IWM Sharpe Ratio of 2.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IAUM and IWM, 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

	IAUM	IWM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.24	2.05	-0.81
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.16	0.37	+0.79

Drawdowns

IAUM vs. IWM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IAUM drawdown since its inception was -20.87%, smaller than the maximum IWM drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IAUM and IWM.

Drawdown Indicators

	IAUM	IWM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.87%	-59.05%	+38.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.15%	-11.03%	-8.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.15%	-27.50%	+8.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.91%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.68%	-1.49%	-16.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.30%	-10.77%	+5.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.70%	3.10%	+4.60%

Volatility

IAUM vs. IWM - Volatility Comparison

iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) and iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) have volatilities of 5.50% and 5.75%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IAUM	IWM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	5.75%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.89%	13.53%	+9.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.31%	19.20%	+7.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.86%	22.52%	-4.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.86%	23.04%	-5.18%

IAUM vs. IWM - Expense Ratio Comparison

IAUM has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than IWM's 0.19% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IAUM vs. IWM - Dividend Comparison

IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IAUM and IWM in my portfolio?

IAUM and IWM have a correlation of 0.22, 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 IWM?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to IAUM (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IAUM dropped -20.87% vs IWM's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, IAUM or IWM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 31.53% vs 17.88% for IWM. On fees, IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IAUM has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IAUM or IWM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 31.53% return vs 17.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IAUM or IWM?

IAUM is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for IWM.

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between IAUM and IWM?

IAUM is categorized as Gold, while IWM is Small Cap Blend Equities. IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for IAUM and 0.19% for IWM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.24), 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.