NTSX vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

NTSX (WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - NTSX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by WisdomTree, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. NTSX is actively managed, while IAUM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, NTSX returned 18.55%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NTSX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IAUM.

Performance

NTSX vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund (NTSX) 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, NTSX achieves a 7.28% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

NTSX

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -0.68%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 7.49%
• 1Y: 23.34%
• 3Y*: 18.55%
• 5Y*: 9.23%
• 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)

NTSX vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
NTSX WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund	7.28%	18.82%	20.20%	22.70%	-25.84%	9.85%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between NTSX and IAUM is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.17

NTSX vs. IAUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NTSX	IAUM
Technology	35.1%	-
Communication Services	12.5%	-
Financial Services	12.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	7.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.4%	-

Return for Risk

NTSX vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

NTSX

NTSX Risk / Return Rank: 59
NTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
NTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
NTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
NTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

NTSX vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund (NTSX) 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.

	NTSX	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.72	0.90	+0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	1.26	+1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.19	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	1.00	+1.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.43	2.87	+7.56

NTSX vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NTSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.72, which is higher than the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NTSX 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

NTSX vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NTSX drawdown since its inception was -31.34%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NTSX and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	NTSX	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.34%	-24.37%	-6.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-24.37%	+15.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.82%	-24.37%	+7.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-21.99%	+19.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.78%	-5.38%	-1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	8.46%	-6.33%

Volatility

NTSX vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund (NTSX) is 5.05%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that NTSX 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

	NTSX	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	7.71%	-2.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.34%	23.82%	-13.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.92%	27.06%	-14.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.13%	18.05%	-0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.30%	18.05%	+0.25%

NTSX vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

NTSX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than IAUM's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

NTSX vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

NTSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.09%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
NTSX WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund	1.09%	1.14%	1.14%	1.21%	1.36%	0.82%	0.92%	1.42%	0.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NTSX and IAUM in my portfolio?

NTSX and IAUM have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NTSX or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to NTSX (5.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NTSX dropped -31.34% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, NTSX or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs 18.55% for NTSX. On fees, IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, NTSX has been the lower-risk option at 5.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NTSX or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs 18.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NTSX or IAUM?

IAUM is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for NTSX.

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

NTSX has the higher dividend yield at 1.09%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between NTSX and IAUM?

NTSX is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while IAUM is Gold. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for NTSX and 0.09% for IAUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NTSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 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.