IBOT vs. SGOL

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IBOT (VanEck Robotics ETF) and SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBOT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar® Robotics Index, while SGOL is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBOT returned 20.68%/yr vs 29.18%/yr for SGOL. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBOT charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for SGOL.

Performance

IBOT vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IBOT achieves a 24.30% return, which is significantly higher than SGOL's -2.39% return.

IBOT

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 24.91%
• 1Y: 50.85%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SGOL

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -7.35%
• YTD: -2.39%
• 6M: -2.15%
• 1Y: 22.44%
• 3Y*: 29.18%
• 5Y*: 17.34%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

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

IBOT vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	24.30%	28.57%	6.39%	19.46%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	-2.39%	63.99%	26.90%	2.02%

Correlation

The correlation between IBOT and SGOL is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2023	0.20

Return for Risk

IBOT vs. SGOL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBOT

IBOT Risk / Return Rank: 71
IBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 26
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
SGOL Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

IBOT vs. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). 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.

	IBOT	SGOL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	0.89	+1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	1.26	+1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.19	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	0.99	+1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	2.85	+8.82

IBOT vs. SGOL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBOT Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the SGOL Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBOT and SGOL, 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

IBOT vs. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBOT drawdown since its inception was -25.39%, smaller than the maximum SGOL drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBOT and SGOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBOT	SGOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.39%	-45.51%	+20.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.74%	-24.37%	+7.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	-24.37%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.37%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-22.00%	+19.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.02%	-18.41%	+13.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	8.46%	-4.33%

Volatility

IBOT vs. SGOL - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) at 7.69%. This indicates that IBOT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SGOL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IBOT	SGOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	7.69%	+1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.07%	23.85%	-4.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.06%	27.08%	-4.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.37%	18.10%	+4.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	16.04%	+6.33%

IBOT vs. SGOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBOT has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SGOL's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBOT vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison

IBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, while SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	0.31%	0.38%	2.81%	2.06%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBOT and SGOL in my portfolio?

IBOT and SGOL have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBOT or SGOL?

IBOT has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to SGOL (7.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBOT dropped -25.39% vs SGOL's -45.51%.

Which ETF is better, IBOT or SGOL?

On 3-year performance, SGOL leads with 29.18% vs 20.68% for IBOT. On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, SGOL has been the lower-risk option at 7.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBOT or SGOL?

Over the 3-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 29.18% return vs 20.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBOT or SGOL?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBOT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IBOT or SGOL?

IBOT has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between IBOT and SGOL?

IBOT is categorized as Technology Equities, while SGOL is Gold. IBOT tracks BlueStar® Robotics Index, while SGOL tracks LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). They also come from different issuers: VanEck and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBOT and 0.17% for SGOL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 0.89), 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.