IXP vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IXP (iShares Global Comm Services ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IXP is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXP returned 9.33%/yr vs 13.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.13 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IXP charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

IXP vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) 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, IXP achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's 2.98% return. Over the past 10 years, IXP has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 9.33%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.31% annualized return.

IXP

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.33%
• 1Y: 18.24%
• 3Y*: 23.77%
• 5Y*: 8.96%
• 10Y*: 9.33%

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)

IXP vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	0.11%	29.27%	31.33%	38.80%	-33.40%	12.77%	22.16%	25.23%	-13.67%	6.65%
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 IXP and IAU is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2005	0.13

IXP vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXP	IAU
Communication Services	97.7%	-
Technology	2.0%	-
Real Estate	0.5%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXP vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXP

IXP Risk / Return Rank: 34
IXP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
IXP Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
IXP Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IXP Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
IXP Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

IXP vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) 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.

	IXP	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.25	1.23	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	1.62	+0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.24	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.49	1.69	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.21	4.19	+1.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IXP vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXP Sharpe Ratio is 1.25, which is comparable to the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXP 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

	IXP	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.25	1.23	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	1.03	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.84	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.62	-0.28

Drawdowns

IXP vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXP drawdown since its inception was -50.11%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXP and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXP	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.11%	-45.14%	-4.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.26%	-19.18%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-19.18%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.30%	-20.93%	-23.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.30%	-21.82%	-22.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.08%	-17.70%	+13.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.92%	-15.96%	+4.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.51%	7.71%	-4.20%

Volatility

IXP vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) is 3.92%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that IXP 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

	IXP	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	5.50%	-1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.60%	23.02%	-12.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.62%	26.42%	-11.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.00%	17.95%	+1.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.52%	15.90%	+2.62%

IXP vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXP has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXP vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

IXP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.98%, 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%
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	2.98%	2.98%	1.35%	1.24%	0.62%	1.80%	0.95%	2.18%	4.32%	3.41%	4.02%	3.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXP and IAU in my portfolio?

IXP and IAU have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXP or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to IXP (3.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXP dropped -50.11% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, IXP or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 13.31% vs 9.33% for IXP. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IXP has been the lower-risk option at 3.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXP or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 9.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXP or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for IXP.

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

IXP has the higher dividend yield at 2.98%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between IXP and IAU?

IXP is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while IAU is Gold. IXP tracks S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for IXP and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 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.