ISRA vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISRA (VanEck Israel ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ISRA is a Global Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Israel Global Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISRA returned 10.83%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISRA charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

ISRA vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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, ISRA achieves a 14.05% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, ISRA has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 10.83%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

ISRA

• 1D: -2.47%
• 1M: -1.80%
• YTD: 14.05%
• 6M: 17.88%
• 1Y: 41.95%
• 3Y*: 26.30%
• 5Y*: 9.13%
• 10Y*: 10.83%

IAU

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: -1.62%
• YTD: 2.98%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 32.20%
• 3Y*: 31.29%
• 5Y*: 18.32%
• 10Y*: 13.31%

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

ISRA vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	14.05%	36.98%	26.03%	-0.08%	-25.76%	10.06%	28.21%	26.77%	-7.04%	15.07%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	2.98%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between ISRA and IAU is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2013	0.06

The correlation between ISRA and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.06 (all time) to 0.17 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ISRA vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISRA	IAU
Financial Services	38.3%	-
Technology	22.2%	-
Healthcare	11.8%	-
Industrials	10.5%	-
Utilities	5.0%	-
Real Estate	4.7%	100.0%
Energy	2.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.9%	-
Communication Services	1.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

ISRA vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISRA

ISRA Risk / Return Rank: 65
ISRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
ISRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
ISRA Omega Ratio Rank: 56
ISRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
ISRA Martin Ratio Rank: 76

IAU

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

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.

ISRA vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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.

	ISRA	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.23	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	1.62	+1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.24	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	1.69	+2.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.53	4.19	+10.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISRA vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISRA Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISRA 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ISRA	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02	1.23	+0.80
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	1.03	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52	0.84	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.62	-0.15

Drawdowns

ISRA vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISRA drawdown since its inception was -45.02%, roughly equal to the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISRA and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISRA	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.02%	-45.14%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.02%	-19.18%	+8.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.74%	-19.18%	-8.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.02%	-20.93%	-24.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.02%	-21.82%	-23.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.73%	-17.70%	+12.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.19%	-15.96%	+4.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.90%	7.71%	-4.81%

Volatility

ISRA vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 5.30% and 5.50%, 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

	ISRA	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.30%	5.50%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.91%	23.02%	-8.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.84%	26.42%	-5.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.87%	17.95%	+3.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	15.90%	+5.01%

ISRA vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISRA has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISRA vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

ISRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, 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%
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	1.30%	1.48%	1.21%	1.89%	1.36%	1.28%	0.17%	1.38%	0.76%	1.58%	1.62%	1.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISRA and IAU in my portfolio?

ISRA and IAU have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISRA or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to ISRA (5.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISRA dropped -45.02% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, ISRA or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 10.83% for ISRA. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, ISRA has been the lower-risk option at 5.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISRA or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 10.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISRA or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for ISRA.

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

ISRA has the higher dividend yield at 1.30%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between ISRA and IAU?

ISRA is categorized as Global Equities, while IAU is Gold. ISRA tracks BlueStar Israel Global Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ISRA and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.23), 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.