KMLM vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

KMLM (KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - KMLM is a Systematic Trend fund tracking the KFA MLM Index, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, KMLM returned -1.51%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. KMLM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IAUM.

Performance

KMLM vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KMLM achieves a 8.32% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

KMLM

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -5.13%
• YTD: 8.32%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 13.24%
• 3Y*: -1.51%
• 5Y*: 4.11%
• 10Y*: —

IAUM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -9.51%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.08%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 29.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KMLM vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	8.32%	-2.98%	-1.69%	-5.66%	30.61%	-1.62%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between KMLM and IAUM is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	-0.05

The correlation between KMLM and IAUM shifts across timeframes, from -0.05 (all time) to 0.12 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

KMLM vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

KMLM

KMLM Risk / Return Rank: 36
KMLM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
KMLM Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
KMLM Omega Ratio Rank: 32
KMLM Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
KMLM Martin Ratio Rank: 41

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 27
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 31
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

KMLM vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	KMLM	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	0.90	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.49	1.26	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.19	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	1.00	+0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.86	2.87	+2.99

KMLM vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KMLM Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is comparable to the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KMLM and IAUM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

KMLM vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KMLM drawdown since its inception was -27.47%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KMLM and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	KMLM	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.47%	-24.37%	-3.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.83%	-24.37%	+17.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.28%	-24.37%	+2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.54%	-21.99%	+6.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.74%	-5.38%	-7.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.10%	8.46%	-6.36%

Volatility

KMLM vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF (KMLM) is 3.35%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that KMLM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KMLM	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	7.71%	-4.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.77%	23.82%	-14.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.50%	27.06%	-15.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.62%	18.05%	-3.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.71%	18.05%	-3.34%

KMLM vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

KMLM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than IAUM's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

KMLM vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

KMLM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.64%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KMLM KFA Mount Lucas Index Strategy ETF	4.64%	5.02%	0.82%	0.00%	13.22%	6.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KMLM and IAUM in my portfolio?

KMLM and IAUM have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KMLM or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to KMLM (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KMLM dropped -27.47% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, KMLM or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs -1.51% for KMLM. On fees, IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, KMLM has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KMLM or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs -1.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KMLM or IAUM?

IAUM is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for KMLM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KMLM or IAUM?

KMLM has the higher dividend yield at 4.64%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between KMLM and IAUM?

KMLM is categorized as Systematic Trend, while IAUM is Gold. KMLM tracks KFA MLM Index, while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: KraneShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for KMLM and 0.09% for IAUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KMLM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.90), 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.