VEA vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VEA returned 19.03%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IAUM.

Performance

VEA vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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, VEA achieves a 14.73% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

IAUM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -10.19%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.08%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 29.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VEA vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	0.33%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and IAUM is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.33

VEA vs. IAUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	IAUM
Financial Services	23.3%	-
Industrials	19.2%	-
Technology	13.8%	-
Healthcare	8.2%	-
Basic Materials	7.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.6%	-
Energy	5.4%	-
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Utilities	3.3%	-
Real Estate	2.7%	100.0%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

IAUM

IAUM Risk / Return Rank: 27
IAUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
IAUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IAUM Omega Ratio Rank: 31
IAUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IAUM Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

VEA vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	0.90	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.26	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.19	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	1.00	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.92	2.87	+7.05

VEA vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEA Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is higher than the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEA 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

VEA vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-24.37%	-36.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-24.37%	+12.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-24.37%	+10.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.06%	-21.99%	+20.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.28%	-5.38%	-7.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	8.46%	-5.44%

Volatility

VEA vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is 6.84%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that VEA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAUM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEA	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.84%	7.71%	-0.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.38%	23.82%	-9.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.58%	27.06%	-10.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.72%	18.05%	-1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.40%	18.05%	-0.65%

VEA vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than IAUM's 0.09% 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

VEA vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, while IAUM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEA and IAUM in my portfolio?

VEA and IAUM have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEA or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to VEA (6.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs 19.03% for VEA. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VEA has been the lower-risk option at 6.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs 19.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or IAUM?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for IAUM.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between VEA and IAUM?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IAUM is Gold. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.09% for IAUM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 0.90), 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.