PRPFX vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PRPFX (Permanent Portfolio Class I) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both funds - PRPFX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Permanent Portfolio, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. PRPFX is actively managed, while IAU is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PRPFX returned 10.56%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PRPFX charges 0.81%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

PRPFX vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX) 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, PRPFX achieves a 3.05% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return. Over the past 10 years, PRPFX has underperformed IAU with an annualized return of 10.56%, while IAU has yielded a comparatively higher 12.31% annualized return.

PRPFX

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: -2.53%
• YTD: 3.05%
• 6M: 4.38%
• 1Y: 17.66%
• 3Y*: 19.77%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 10.56%

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)

PRPFX vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PRPFX Permanent Portfolio Class I	3.05%	28.78%	19.36%	11.96%	-5.48%	10.87%	18.80%	19.20%	-7.02%	11.42%
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 PRPFX and IAU is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2005	0.59

The correlation between PRPFX and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.55 (10 years) to 0.78 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PRPFX vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PRPFX

PRPFX Risk / Return Rank: 40
PRPFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
PRPFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
PRPFX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PRPFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PRPFX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

PRPFX vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX) 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.

	PRPFX	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	0.89	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	1.25	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.20	0.99	+1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.95	2.83	+3.12

PRPFX vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PRPFX Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PRPFX 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

PRPFX vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PRPFX drawdown since its inception was -27.16%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PRPFX and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PRPFX	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.16%	-45.14%	+17.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.40%	-24.40%	+16.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-8.40%	-24.40%	+16.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.49%	-24.40%	+8.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.84%	-24.40%	+3.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.81%	-22.03%	+14.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-15.97%	+12.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	8.47%	-5.37%

Volatility

PRPFX vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Permanent Portfolio Class I (PRPFX) is 3.64%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that PRPFX 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

	PRPFX	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.64%	7.70%	-4.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.59%	23.94%	-12.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	27.17%	-14.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.13%	18.16%	-7.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.65%	16.02%	-5.37%

PRPFX vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PRPFX has a 0.81% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PRPFX vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

PRPFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.17%, 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%
PRPFX Permanent Portfolio Class I	3.17%	3.27%	1.86%	1.39%	1.58%	2.05%	5.38%	4.69%	6.90%	2.14%	0.95%	7.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PRPFX and IAU in my portfolio?

PRPFX and IAU have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PRPFX or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to PRPFX (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PRPFX dropped -27.16% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PRPFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 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.