IGLD vs. SGOL

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF) and SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) are both Gold funds. IGLD is actively managed, while SGOL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGLD returned 11.92%/yr vs 17.07%/yr for SGOL. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGLD charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for SGOL.

Performance

IGLD vs. SGOL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) 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, IGLD achieves a -6.69% return, which is significantly lower than SGOL's -6.01% return.

IGLD

• 1D: 1.36%
• 1M: -3.36%
• 6M: -11.37%
• YTD: -6.69%
• 1Y: 14.23%
• 3Y*: 19.47%
• 5Y*: 11.92%
• 10Y*: —

SGOL

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: -3.72%
• 6M: -11.65%
• YTD: -6.01%
• 1Y: 21.07%
• 3Y*: 27.34%
• 5Y*: 17.07%
• 10Y*: 11.56%

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

IGLD vs. SGOL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	-6.69%	47.46%	19.36%	9.24%	-2.34%	4.30%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	-6.01%	63.99%	26.90%	12.99%	-0.51%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between IGLD and SGOL is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2021	0.93

The correlation between IGLD and SGOL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IGLD vs. SGOL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGLD

IGLD Risk / Return Rank: 20
IGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 22
IGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
IGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 18

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 24
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 28
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
SGOL 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.

IGLD vs. SGOL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) 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.

	IGLD	SGOL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	0.77	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	1.12	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.16	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.60	0.81	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.54	1.96	-0.43

IGLD vs. SGOL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is comparable to the SGOL Sharpe Ratio of 0.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGLD 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

IGLD vs. SGOL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGLD drawdown since its inception was -23.84%, smaller than the maximum SGOL drawdown of -45.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGLD and SGOL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGLD	SGOL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.84%	-45.51%	+21.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.84%	-26.16%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.84%	-26.16%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.84%	-26.16%	+2.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.15%	-24.90%	+2.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.54%	-18.44%	+12.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.28%	10.77%	-1.49%

Volatility

IGLD vs. SGOL - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) have volatilities of 7.01% and 7.01%, 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

	IGLD	SGOL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.01%	7.01%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.45%	23.98%	-1.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.88%	27.64%	-2.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.66%	18.28%	-2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.41%	16.06%	-0.65%

IGLD vs. SGOL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGLD has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than SGOL's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGLD vs. SGOL - Dividend Comparison

IGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.37%, while SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	21.37%	9.91%	20.81%	7.85%	4.45%	2.24%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGLD and SGOL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IGLD and SGOL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IGLD or SGOL?

SGOL has higher volatility (7.01%) compared to IGLD (7.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGLD dropped -23.84% vs SGOL's -45.51%.

Which ETF is better, IGLD or SGOL?

On 5-year performance, SGOL leads with 17.07% vs 11.92% for IGLD. On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGLD or SGOL?

Over the 5-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 17.07% return vs 11.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGLD or SGOL?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IGLD.

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

IGLD has the higher dividend yield at 21.37%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between IGLD and SGOL?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for IGLD and 0.17% for SGOL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.77 vs 0.57), 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.