IVVB vs. AAAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IVVB (iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF) and AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVVB is a Options Trading fund actively managed by iShares, while AAAU is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold PM Price. IVVB is actively managed, while AAAU is passively managed. Over the past year, IVVB returned 14.57% vs 32.29% for AAAU. At a 0.14 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IVVB charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for AAAU.

Performance

IVVB vs. AAAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF (IVVB) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVVB achieves a 4.57% return, which is significantly higher than AAAU's 2.94% return.

IVVB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.91%
• YTD: 4.57%
• 6M: 4.37%
• 1Y: 14.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AAAU

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -1.68%
• YTD: 2.94%
• 6M: 5.50%
• 1Y: 32.29%
• 3Y*: 31.37%
• 5Y*: 18.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

IVVB vs. AAAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IVVB iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF	4.57%	9.60%	18.66%	2.60%
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	2.94%	64.06%	26.91%	7.35%

Correlation

The correlation between IVVB and AAAU is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 3, 2023	0.14

IVVB vs. AAAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVVB	AAAU
Technology	35.6%	-
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Communication Services	11.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.5%	-
Industrials	8.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.4%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

IVVB vs. AAAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVVB

IVVB Risk / Return Rank: 58
IVVB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IVVB Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IVVB Omega Ratio Rank: 63
IVVB Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
IVVB Martin Ratio Rank: 61

AAAU

AAAU Risk / Return Rank: 32
AAAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
AAAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
AAAU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
AAAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
AAAU 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.

IVVB vs. AAAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF (IVVB) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU). 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.

	IVVB	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.23	+0.78
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	1.63	+1.19
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.25	+0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	1.70	+0.85
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.94	4.21	+6.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IVVB vs. AAAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVVB Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is higher than the AAAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVVB and AAAU, 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

	IVVB	AAAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02	1.23	+0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.04	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.31	1.09	+0.22

Drawdowns

IVVB vs. AAAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVVB drawdown since its inception was -13.08%, smaller than the maximum AAAU drawdown of -21.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVVB and AAAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVVB	AAAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.08%	-21.63%	+8.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.75%	-19.13%	+13.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.15%	-17.68%	+17.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-6.18%	+4.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.34%	7.69%	-6.35%

Volatility

IVVB vs. AAAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF (IVVB) is 0.74%, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that IVVB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AAAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVVB	AAAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.74%	5.50%	-4.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.49%	22.94%	-17.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.27%	26.33%	-19.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.28%	17.83%	-8.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.28%	16.99%	-7.71%

IVVB vs. AAAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVVB has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than AAAU's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVVB vs. AAAU - Dividend Comparison

IVVB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, while AAAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
AAAU Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
IVVB iShares Large Cap Deep Buffer ETF	1.17%	1.22%	0.87%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVVB and AAAU in my portfolio?

IVVB and AAAU have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IVVB or AAAU?

AAAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to IVVB (0.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVVB dropped -13.08% vs AAAU's -21.63%.

Which ETF is better, IVVB or AAAU?

On 1-year performance, AAAU leads with 32.29% vs 14.57% for IVVB. On fees, AAAU is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, IVVB has been the lower-risk option at 0.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVVB or AAAU?

Over the 1-year period, AAAU has performed better with a 32.29% return vs 14.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVVB or AAAU?

AAAU is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IVVB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVVB or AAAU?

IVVB has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.00% for AAAU.

What is the main difference between IVVB and AAAU?

IVVB is categorized as Options Trading, while AAAU is Precious Metals. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Goldman Sachs. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IVVB and 0.18% for AAAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVVB 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.