IVLU vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVLU (iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IVLU is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVLU returned 10.97%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IVLU charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

IVLU vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) 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, IVLU achieves a 12.64% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, IVLU has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 10.97%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

IVLU

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.72%
• YTD: 12.64%
• 6M: 16.60%
• 1Y: 35.35%
• 3Y*: 24.56%
• 5Y*: 14.01%
• 10Y*: 10.97%

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)

IVLU vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVLU iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF	12.64%	46.09%	6.76%	20.07%	-5.73%	15.60%	-4.50%	15.60%	-15.10%	23.10%
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 IVLU and IAU is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
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	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 16, 2015	0.16

The correlation between IVLU and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.16 (all time) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IVLU vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVLU	IAU
Financial Services	25.3%	-
Industrials	17.2%	-
Technology	11.3%	-
Healthcare	9.7%	-
Basic Materials	7.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	-
Energy	5.1%	-
Communication Services	4.0%	-
Utilities	3.3%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	100.0%

Return for Risk

IVLU vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVLU

IVLU Risk / Return Rank: 66
IVLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
IVLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IVLU Omega Ratio Rank: 69
IVLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
IVLU Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

IVLU vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) 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.

	IVLU	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	1.23	+1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.22	1.62	+1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.24	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.04	1.69	+1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.57	4.19	+7.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVLU vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVLU 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

	IVLU	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.36	1.23	+1.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85	1.03	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.84	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.62	-0.15

Drawdowns

IVLU vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVLU drawdown since its inception was -41.85%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVLU and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVLU	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.85%	-45.14%	+3.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.69%	-19.18%	+7.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.48%	-19.18%	+3.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-20.93%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.85%	-21.82%	-20.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-17.70%	+16.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.59%	-15.96%	+7.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	7.71%	-4.65%

Volatility

IVLU vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF (IVLU) is 4.63%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that IVLU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVLU	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	5.50%	-0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	23.02%	-10.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.09%	26.42%	-11.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.48%	17.95%	-1.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.66%	15.90%	+1.76%

IVLU vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVLU has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVLU vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

IVLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.29%, 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%
IVLU iShares MSCI Intl Value Factor ETF	3.29%	3.71%	4.46%	4.69%	3.59%	3.47%	2.05%	3.53%	2.82%	2.87%	2.53%	0.93%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVLU and IAU in my portfolio?

IVLU and IAU have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVLU or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to IVLU (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVLU dropped -41.85% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, IVLU or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 10.97% for IVLU. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IVLU has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVLU or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 10.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVLU or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for IVLU.

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

IVLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.29%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between IVLU and IAU?

IVLU is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. IVLU tracks MSCI World ex USA Enhanced Value, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for IVLU and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 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.