IWM vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IWM (iShares Russell 2000 ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IWM is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IWM returned 10.93%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IWM charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

IWM vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) 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, IWM achieves a 17.07% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, IWM has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 10.93%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

IWM

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: 3.52%
• YTD: 17.07%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 39.10%
• 3Y*: 17.88%
• 5Y*: 6.11%
• 10Y*: 10.93%

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)

IWM vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	17.07%	12.66%	11.38%	16.83%	-20.48%	14.54%	20.03%	25.39%	-11.12%	14.58%
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 IWM and IAU is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2005	0.07

The correlation between IWM and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.06 (10 years) to 0.22 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWM vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWM	IAU
Technology	19.5%	-
Industrials	17.1%	-
Financial Services	15.8%	-
Healthcare	15.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	-
Energy	6.0%	-
Real Estate	5.7%	100.0%
Basic Materials	4.5%	-
Utilities	3.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

IWM vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWM

IWM Risk / Return Rank: 62
IWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
IWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IWM Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

IWM vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) 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.

	IWM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.23	+0.83
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	1.62	+1.23
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.56	1.69	+1.88
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.64	4.19	+8.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWM vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWM Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWM 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

	IWM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.05	1.23	+0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	1.03	-0.75
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.84	-0.36
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	0.62	-0.26

Drawdowns

IWM vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWM drawdown since its inception was -59.05%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWM and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWM	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.05%	-45.14%	-13.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.03%	-19.18%	+8.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.50%	-19.18%	-8.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.91%	-20.93%	-10.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.13%	-21.82%	-19.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.49%	-17.70%	+16.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-15.96%	+5.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	7.71%	-4.61%

Volatility

IWM vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 5.75% 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

	IWM	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.75%	5.50%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.53%	23.02%	-9.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.20%	26.42%	-7.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.52%	17.95%	+4.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.04%	15.90%	+7.14%

IWM vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWM has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IWM vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

IWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.88%, 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%
IWM iShares Russell 2000 ETF	0.88%	1.04%	1.15%	1.35%	1.48%	0.94%	1.04%	1.26%	1.40%	1.26%	1.38%	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWM and IAU in my portfolio?

IWM and IAU have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IWM or IAU?

IWM has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to IAU (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWM dropped -59.05% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, IWM or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 10.93% for IWM. On fees, IWM is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWM or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 10.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWM or IAU?

IWM is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IAU.

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

IWM has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between IWM and IAU?

IWM is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while IAU is Gold. IWM tracks Russell 2000 Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for IWM and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 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.