RSP vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

RSP (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - RSP is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RSP returned 12.15%/yr vs 12.31%/yr for IAU. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

RSP vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) 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, RSP achieves a 10.96% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -2.44% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with RSP having a 12.15% annualized return and IAU not far ahead at 12.31%.

RSP

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 3.92%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 10.34%
• 1Y: 21.34%
• 3Y*: 14.66%
• 5Y*: 8.59%
• 10Y*: 12.15%

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)

RSP vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	10.96%	11.21%	12.79%	13.70%	-11.62%	29.41%	12.66%	28.91%	-7.84%	18.52%
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 RSP and IAU is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2005	0.07

The correlation between RSP and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.06 (10 years) to 0.23 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RSP vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSP	IAU
Technology	20.4%	-
Financial Services	14.2%	-
Industrials	14.1%	-
Healthcare	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Real Estate	5.9%	100.0%
Utilities	5.9%	-
Energy	4.2%	-
Basic Materials	4.1%	-
Communication Services	3.6%	-

Return for Risk

RSP vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSP

RSP Risk / Return Rank: 58
RSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
RSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
RSP Omega Ratio Rank: 54
RSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
RSP Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

RSP vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) 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.

	RSP	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	0.89	+0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	1.25	+1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	0.99	+1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.63	2.83	+6.80

RSP vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSP 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

RSP vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSP drawdown since its inception was -59.92%, which is greater than IAU's maximum drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSP and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSP	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.92%	-45.14%	-14.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-24.40%	+16.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.81%	-24.40%	+6.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.38%	-24.40%	+3.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.04%	-24.40%	-14.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-22.03%	+22.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-15.97%	+9.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	8.47%	-6.40%

Volatility

RSP vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) is 3.57%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 7.70%. This indicates that RSP 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

	RSP	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	7.70%	-4.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.59%	23.94%	-15.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.83%	27.17%	-15.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.22%	18.16%	-1.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.36%	16.02%	+2.34%

RSP vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

RSP vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

RSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, 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%
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.47%	1.64%	1.52%	1.64%	1.82%	1.28%	1.64%	1.69%	2.02%	1.52%	1.20%	1.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSP and IAU in my portfolio?

RSP and IAU have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSP or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (7.70%) compared to RSP (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSP dropped -59.92% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, RSP or IAU?

On 10-year performance, IAU leads with 12.31% vs 12.15% for RSP. On fees, RSP is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, RSP has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSP or IAU?

Over the 10-year period, IAU has performed better with a 12.31% return vs 12.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSP or IAU?

RSP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for IAU.

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

RSP has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between RSP and IAU?

RSP is categorized as S&P 500, while IAU is Gold. RSP tracks S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for RSP and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 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.