OAIM vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

OAIM (OneAscent International Equity ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - OAIM is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Oneascent, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. OAIM is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, OAIM returned 17.52%/yr vs 29.07%/yr for IAU. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. OAIM charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

OAIM vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in OneAscent International Equity ETF (OAIM) 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, OAIM achieves a 14.17% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return.

OAIM

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 14.17%
• 6M: 16.25%
• 1Y: 27.74%
• 3Y*: 17.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -9.54%
• YTD: -2.44%
• 6M: -2.22%
• 1Y: 22.32%
• 3Y*: 29.07%
• 5Y*: 17.23%
• 10Y*: 12.31%

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

OAIM vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
OAIM OneAscent International Equity ETF	14.17%	30.12%	8.18%	16.96%	7.50%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-2.44%	63.95%	26.85%	12.84%	9.53%

Correlation

The correlation between OAIM and IAU is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2022	0.34

Return for Risk

OAIM vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

OAIM

OAIM Risk / Return Rank: 54
OAIM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
OAIM Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
OAIM Omega Ratio Rank: 55
OAIM Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
OAIM Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

OAIM vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for OneAscent International Equity ETF (OAIM) 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.

	OAIM	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	0.89	+0.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	1.25	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.19	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	0.99	+1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.03	2.83	+6.19

OAIM vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OAIM Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OAIM 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

OAIM vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OAIM drawdown since its inception was -14.69%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OAIM and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	OAIM	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.69%	-45.14%	+30.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.88%	-24.40%	+13.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.69%	-24.40%	+9.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.79%	-22.03%	+21.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.80%	-15.97%	+13.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	8.47%	-5.54%

Volatility

OAIM vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

OneAscent International Equity ETF (OAIM) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) have volatilities of 7.43% and 7.70%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	OAIM	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.43%	7.70%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.50%	23.94%	-9.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.55%	27.17%	-10.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	18.16%	-1.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.07%	16.02%	+1.05%

OAIM vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

OAIM has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

OAIM vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

OAIM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.86%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
OAIM OneAscent International Equity ETF	0.86%	0.98%	2.40%	1.94%	0.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OAIM and IAU in my portfolio?

OAIM and IAU have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, OAIM or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to OAIM (7.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OAIM dropped -14.69% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, OAIM or IAU?

On 3-year performance, IAU leads with 29.07% vs 17.52% for OAIM. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, OAIM has been the lower-risk option at 7.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OAIM or IAU?

Over the 3-year period, IAU has performed better with a 29.07% return vs 17.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OAIM or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for OAIM.

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

OAIM has the higher dividend yield at 0.86%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between OAIM and IAU?

OAIM is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAU is Gold. They also come from different issuers: Oneascent and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for OAIM and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OAIM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 0.89), 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.