IDMO vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

IDMO (Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IDMO is a Momentum fund tracking the S&P Momentum Developed ex U.S. & South Korea LargeMidCap Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDMO returned 12.64%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

IDMO vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF (IDMO) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDMO achieves a 8.17% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IDMO having a 12.64% annualized return and IAU not far behind at 12.31%.

IDMO

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: -0.98%
• YTD: 8.17%
• 6M: 10.09%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 25.21%
• 5Y*: 15.50%
• 10Y*: 12.64%

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

IDMO vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDMO Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF	8.17%	42.17%	12.79%	20.16%	-12.03%	14.31%	22.01%	26.09%	-16.66%	29.21%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between IDMO and IAU is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2012	0.15

Over the past year, IDMO and IAU have become more correlated (0.39) than their long-term average of 0.15, meaning their price movements have been converging.

IDMO vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDMO	IAU
Financial Services	42.4%	-
Industrials	22.6%	-
Basic Materials	10.2%	-
Utilities	8.4%	-
Technology	5.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	-
Communication Services	2.2%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	100.0%
Energy	1.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	-
Healthcare	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

IDMO vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDMO

IDMO Risk / Return Rank: 44
IDMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
IDMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
IDMO Omega Ratio Rank: 42
IDMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
IDMO Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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

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.

IDMO vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF (IDMO) 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.

	IDMO	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.30	0.89	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	1.25	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.19	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	0.99	+0.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.64	2.83	+4.81

IDMO vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDMO Sharpe Ratio is 1.30, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDMO and IAU, 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

IDMO vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDMO drawdown since its inception was -39.38%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDMO and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDMO	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.38%	-45.14%	+5.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-24.40%	+12.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.65%	-24.40%	+11.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.07%	-24.40%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.34%	-24.40%	-6.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-22.03%	+20.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.74%	-15.97%	+6.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	8.47%	-5.43%

Volatility

IDMO vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF (IDMO) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 7.92% and 7.70%, 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

	IDMO	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.92%	7.70%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.02%	23.94%	-7.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.92%	27.17%	-9.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	18.16%	-0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.18%	16.02%	+2.16%

IDMO vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IDMO and IAU have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IDMO vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

IDMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IDMO Invesco S&P International Developed Momentum ETF	3.52%	3.71%	2.24%	2.89%	3.66%	1.81%	1.63%	2.78%	3.27%	3.08%	2.18%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDMO and IAU in my portfolio?

IDMO and IAU have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDMO or IAU?

IDMO has higher volatility (7.92%) compared to IAU (7.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDMO dropped -39.38% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, IDMO or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IDMO leads with 12.64% vs 12.31% for IAU. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 7.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDMO or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IDMO has performed better with a 12.64% return vs 12.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDMO or IAU?

IDMO and IAU have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

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

IDMO has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between IDMO and IAU?

IDMO is categorized as Momentum, while IAU is Gold. IDMO tracks S&P Momentum Developed ex U.S. & South Korea LargeMidCap Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDMO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 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.