SDS vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDS (ProShares UltraShort S&P500) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - SDS is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-200%), while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SDS returned -27.00%/yr vs 28.82%/yr for IAUM. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. SDS charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IAUM.

Performance

SDS vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) 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, SDS achieves a -12.83% return, which is significantly lower than IAUM's -4.68% return.

SDS

• 1D: 2.84%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: -12.83%
• 6M: -11.09%
• 1Y: -30.33%
• 3Y*: -27.00%
• 5Y*: -20.88%
• 10Y*: -27.73%

IAUM

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -8.79%
• YTD: -4.68%
• 6M: -8.59%
• 1Y: 21.67%
• 3Y*: 28.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDS vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	-12.83%	-26.79%	-29.45%	-31.53%	30.69%	-22.25%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-4.68%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between SDS and IAUM is -0.27, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	-0.13

The correlation between SDS and IAUM shifts across timeframes, from -0.27 (1 year) to -0.13 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SDS vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDS

SDS Risk / Return Rank: 1
SDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
SDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Martin Ratio Rank: 1

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 22
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

SDS vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) 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.

	SDS	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.22	0.80	-2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.85	1.15	-3.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	1.17	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.92	0.89	-1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.65	2.40	-4.05

SDS vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDS Sharpe Ratio is -1.22, which is lower than the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDS 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

SDS vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDS drawdown since its inception was -99.85%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDS and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDS	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.85%	-24.37%	-75.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.08%	-24.37%	-8.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-68.14%	-24.37%	-43.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.54%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-96.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.84%	-23.81%	-76.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.76%	-5.46%	-77.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.05%	9.06%	+10.99%

Volatility

SDS vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) has a higher volatility of 9.60% compared to iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) at 8.12%. This indicates that SDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IAUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDS	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	8.12%	+1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.65%	24.11%	-4.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.92%	27.27%	-2.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.84%	18.10%	+15.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.85%	18.10%	+17.75%

SDS vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDS has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than IAUM's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDS vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

SDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.51%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	5.51%	5.88%	7.89%	5.77%	0.35%	0.00%	0.92%	1.84%	1.28%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDS and IAUM in my portfolio?

SDS and IAUM have a correlation of -0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDS or IAUM?

SDS has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to IAUM (8.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDS dropped -99.85% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, SDS or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 28.82% vs -27.00% for SDS. On fees, IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IAUM has been the lower-risk option at 8.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDS or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 28.82% return vs -27.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDS or IAUM?

IAUM is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for SDS.

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

SDS has the higher dividend yield at 5.51%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between SDS and IAUM?

SDS is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while IAUM is Gold. SDS tracks S&P 500 Index (-200%), while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for SDS and 0.09% for IAUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs -1.22), 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.