SGOL vs. IBOT

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) and IBOT (VanEck Robotics ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SGOL is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt), while IBOT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar® Robotics Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SGOL returned 29.18%/yr vs 20.68%/yr for IBOT. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SGOL charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for IBOT.

Performance

SGOL vs. IBOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) and VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SGOL achieves a -2.39% return, which is significantly lower than IBOT's 24.30% return.

SGOL

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -7.35%
• YTD: -2.39%
• 6M: -2.15%
• 1Y: 22.44%
• 3Y*: 29.18%
• 5Y*: 17.34%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

IBOT

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 24.91%
• 1Y: 50.85%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SGOL vs. IBOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	-2.39%	63.99%	26.90%	2.02%
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	24.30%	28.57%	6.39%	19.46%

Correlation

The correlation between SGOL and IBOT is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2023	0.20

Return for Risk

SGOL vs. IBOT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGOL

SGOL Risk / Return Rank: 26
SGOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
SGOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SGOL Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SGOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
SGOL Martin Ratio Rank: 24

IBOT

IBOT Risk / Return Rank: 71
IBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

SGOL vs. IBOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) and VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT). 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.

	SGOL	IBOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	2.10	-1.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	2.80	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.36	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.99	2.89	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.85	11.67	-8.82

SGOL vs. IBOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SGOL Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is lower than the IBOT Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SGOL and IBOT, 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

SGOL vs. IBOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGOL drawdown since its inception was -45.51%, which is greater than IBOT's maximum drawdown of -25.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGOL and IBOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGOL	IBOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.51%	-25.39%	-20.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.37%	-16.74%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.37%	-25.39%	+1.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.37%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.00%	-2.92%	-19.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.41%	-5.02%	-13.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.46%	4.13%	+4.33%

Volatility

SGOL vs. IBOT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is 7.69%, while VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) has a volatility of 9.29%. This indicates that SGOL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IBOT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SGOL	IBOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.69%	9.29%	-1.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.85%	19.07%	+4.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.08%	23.06%	+4.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.10%	22.37%	-4.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.04%	22.37%	-6.33%

SGOL vs. IBOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SGOL has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than IBOT's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SGOL vs. IBOT - Dividend Comparison

SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	0.31%	0.38%	2.81%	2.06%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SGOL and IBOT in my portfolio?

SGOL and IBOT 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, SGOL or IBOT?

IBOT has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to SGOL (7.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SGOL dropped -45.51% vs IBOT's -25.39%.

Which ETF is better, SGOL or IBOT?

On 3-year performance, SGOL leads with 29.18% vs 20.68% for IBOT. On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, SGOL has been the lower-risk option at 7.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SGOL or IBOT?

Over the 3-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 29.18% return vs 20.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGOL or IBOT?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBOT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SGOL or IBOT?

IBOT has the higher dividend yield at 0.31%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between SGOL and IBOT?

SGOL is categorized as Gold, while IBOT is Technology Equities. SGOL tracks LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt), while IBOT tracks BlueStar® Robotics Index. They also come from different issuers: abrdn and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for SGOL and 0.47% for IBOT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 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.