KGLD vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KGLD (Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF ) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - KGLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. KGLD is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. KGLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

KGLD vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with KGLD having a 2.99% return and IAU slightly lower at 2.98%.

KGLD

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -1.84%
• YTD: 2.99%
• 6M: 5.94%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

KGLD vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	2.99%	29.75%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	2.98%	30.37%

Correlation

The correlation between KGLD and IAU is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.98

Return for Risk

KGLD vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

KGLD vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KGLD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.23	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.03	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.62	+0.70

Drawdowns

KGLD vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KGLD drawdown since its inception was -20.29%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KGLD and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	KGLD	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.29%	-45.14%	+24.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.40%	-17.70%	-1.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.10%	-15.96%	+9.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KGLD	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.50%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.72%	26.42%	+2.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.72%	17.95%	+10.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.72%	15.90%	+12.82%

KGLD vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

KGLD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

KGLD vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

KGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.64%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	12.64%	4.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KGLD and IAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, KGLD and IAU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, KGLD or IAU?

On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KGLD or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for KGLD.

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

KGLD has the higher dividend yield at 12.64%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between KGLD and IAU?

KGLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while IAU is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KGLD and 0.25% for IAU.