MOTI vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MOTI (VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - MOTI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global ex-US Moat Focus Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MOTI returned 6.54%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MOTI charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

MOTI vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) 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, MOTI achieves a -7.33% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's -2.44% return. Over the past 10 years, MOTI has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 6.54%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.31% annualized return.

MOTI

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: -1.88%
• YTD: -7.33%
• 6M: -7.11%
• 1Y: 0.99%
• 3Y*: 5.49%
• 5Y*: 1.64%
• 10Y*: 6.54%

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -10.21%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 23.95%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

MOTI vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOTI VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF	-7.33%	25.01%	1.94%	10.18%	-6.93%	0.03%	7.24%	17.63%	-13.92%	34.27%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	-0.63%	-4.00%	25.03%	17.98%	-1.76%	12.91%

Correlation

The correlation between MOTI and IAU is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2015	0.17

The correlation between MOTI and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.34 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MOTI vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOTI	IAU
Industrials	23.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	21.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	-
Healthcare	12.3%	-
Technology	10.6%	-
Basic Materials	8.7%	-
Communication Services	7.4%	-
Financial Services	3.1%	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MOTI vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOTI

MOTI Risk / Return Rank: 10
MOTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
MOTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
MOTI Omega Ratio Rank: 10
MOTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
MOTI Martin Ratio Rank: 10

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 26
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

MOTI vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) 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.

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.

	MOTI	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.07	0.89	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.20	1.25	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.19	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.06	0.99	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.16	2.83	-2.67

MOTI vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOTI Sharpe Ratio is 0.07, which is lower than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOTI 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.

Drawdowns

MOTI vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOTI drawdown since its inception was -36.70%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOTI and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOTI	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.70%	-45.14%	+8.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.45%	-24.40%	+8.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-24.40%	+8.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.83%	-24.40%	-6.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.70%	-24.40%	-12.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.76%	-22.03%	+9.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.14%	-15.97%	+6.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.09%	8.47%	-2.38%

Volatility

MOTI vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF (MOTI) is 3.50%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that MOTI 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

	MOTI	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	7.70%	-4.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	23.94%	-12.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.40%	27.17%	-12.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.55%	18.16%	-0.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.04%	16.02%	+2.02%

MOTI vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOTI has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOTI vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

MOTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.48%, 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%
MOTI VanEck Vectors Morningstar International Moat ETF	3.48%	3.22%	4.79%	2.34%	3.27%	4.67%	2.14%	3.90%	3.73%	8.87%	1.33%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MOTI and IAU in my portfolio?

MOTI and IAU have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOTI or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to MOTI (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOTI dropped -36.70% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, MOTI or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.31% vs 6.54% for MOTI. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, MOTI has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOTI or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.31% return vs 6.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOTI or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for MOTI.

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

MOTI has the higher dividend yield at 3.48%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between MOTI and IAU?

MOTI is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. MOTI tracks Morningstar Global ex-US Moat Focus Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for MOTI and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs 0.07), 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.