SGOL vs. IGLD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SGOL (abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF) and IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF) are both Gold funds. SGOL is passively managed, while IGLD is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, SGOL returned 17.55%/yr vs 12.19%/yr for IGLD. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SGOL charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for IGLD.

Performance

SGOL vs. IGLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SGOL achieves a -6.67% return, which is significantly higher than IGLD's -7.48% return.

SGOL

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -10.69%
• YTD: -6.67%
• 6M: -10.17%
• 1Y: 20.57%
• 3Y*: 27.73%
• 5Y*: 17.55%
• 10Y*: 11.49%

IGLD

• 1D: 1.35%
• 1M: -9.85%
• YTD: -7.48%
• 6M: -10.00%
• 1Y: 13.61%
• 3Y*: 19.42%
• 5Y*: 12.19%
• 10Y*: —

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

SGOL vs. IGLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	-6.67%	63.99%	26.90%	12.99%	-0.51%	5.53%
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	-7.48%	47.46%	19.36%	9.24%	-2.34%	4.30%

Correlation

The correlation between SGOL and IGLD is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2021	0.93

The correlation between SGOL and IGLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SGOL vs. IGLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGOL

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

IGLD

IGLD Risk / Return Rank: 18
IGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
IGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
IGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 20
IGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
IGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. IGLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD). 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	IGLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	0.55	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	0.87	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.13	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	0.57	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.21	1.72	+0.49

SGOL vs. IGLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SGOL Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is higher than the IGLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SGOL and IGLD, 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. IGLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGOL drawdown since its inception was -45.51%, which is greater than IGLD's maximum drawdown of -23.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGOL and IGLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGOL	IGLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.51%	-23.84%	-21.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.16%	-23.84%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.16%	-23.84%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.16%	-23.84%	-2.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-25.42%	-22.81%	-2.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.42%	-5.39%	-13.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.34%	7.95%	+1.39%

Volatility

SGOL vs. IGLD - Volatility Comparison

abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) and FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) have volatilities of 8.65% and 8.86%, 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

	SGOL	IGLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.65%	8.86%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.24%	22.58%	+1.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.43%	24.64%	+2.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.18%	15.56%	+2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.03%	15.37%	+0.66%

SGOL vs. IGLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SGOL has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than IGLD's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

SGOL vs. IGLD - Dividend Comparison

SGOL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while IGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.69%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IGLD FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF	19.69%	9.91%	20.81%	7.85%	4.45%	2.24%
SGOL abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SGOL and IGLD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SGOL and IGLD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SGOL or IGLD?

IGLD has higher volatility (8.86%) compared to SGOL (8.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SGOL dropped -45.51% vs IGLD's -23.84%.

Which ETF is better, SGOL or IGLD?

On 5-year performance, SGOL leads with 17.55% vs 12.19% for IGLD. On fees, SGOL is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, SGOL has been the lower-risk option at 8.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SGOL or IGLD?

Over the 5-year period, SGOL has performed better with a 17.55% return vs 12.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGOL or IGLD?

SGOL is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for IGLD.

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

IGLD has the higher dividend yield at 19.69%, compared with 0.00% for SGOL.

What is the main difference between SGOL and IGLD?

They also come from different issuers: abrdn and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for SGOL and 0.85% for IGLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs 0.55), 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.