IBGM vs. IAU

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

IBGM (iShares iBonds Dec 2056 Term Treasury ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IBGM is a Government Bonds fund tracking the ICE 2056 Maturity US Treasury Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBGM charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

IBGM vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares iBonds Dec 2056 Term Treasury ETF (IBGM) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

IBGM

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -2.81%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

IAU

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -5.02%
• 6M: -12.66%
• YTD: -7.17%
• 1Y: 19.36%
• 3Y*: 26.56%
• 5Y*: 17.02%
• 10Y*: 11.43%
• ALL TIME*: 10.67%

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

IBGM vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
IBGM iShares iBonds Dec 2056 Term Treasury ETF	-1.12%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-11.63%

Correlation

The correlation between IBGM and IAU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2026	0.26

Return for Risk

IBGM vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBGM

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

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 24
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

IBGM vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares iBonds Dec 2056 Term Treasury ETF (IBGM) 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.

	IBGM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.70	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.04	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.15	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.74	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.72	—

Drawdowns

IBGM vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBGM drawdown since its inception was -4.36%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBGM and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBGM	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.36%	-45.14%	+40.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-26.36%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.36%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.66%	-25.81%	+22.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.40%	-16.00%	+14.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	11.25%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IBGM	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.03%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.38%	27.86%	-19.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.38%	18.36%	-9.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.38%	16.05%	-7.67%

IBGM vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBGM has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than IAU's 0.25% 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

IBGM vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

IBGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%
IBGM iShares iBonds Dec 2056 Term Treasury ETF	1.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBGM and IAU in my portfolio?

IBGM and IAU have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IBGM or IAU?

On fees, IBGM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBGM or IAU?

IBGM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IAU.

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

IBGM has the higher dividend yield at 1.23%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between IBGM and IAU?

IBGM is categorized as Government Bonds, while IAU is Gold. IBGM tracks ICE 2056 Maturity US Treasury Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for IBGM and 0.25% for IAU.