VPU vs. IAUM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both exchange-traded funds - VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while IAUM is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VPU returned 13.65%/yr vs 29.28%/yr for IAUM. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

VPU vs. IAUM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) 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, VPU achieves a 4.93% return, which is significantly higher than IAUM's -2.40% return.

VPU

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: 12.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

IAUM

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -9.51%
• YTD: -2.40%
• 6M: -2.08%
• 1Y: 22.55%
• 3Y*: 29.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VPU vs. IAUM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.93%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	12.44%
IAUM iShares Gold Trust Micro	-2.40%	64.27%	27.04%	13.12%	-0.49%	3.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and IAUM is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2021	0.19

VPU vs. IAUM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VPU	IAUM
Utilities	99.3%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	100.0%
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

VPU vs. IAUM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

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

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.

VPU vs. IAUM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) 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.

	VPU	IAUM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	0.90	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	1.26	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.19	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	1.00	+0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.91	2.87	+0.04

VPU vs. IAUM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is comparable to the IAUM Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU 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

VPU vs. IAUM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than IAUM's maximum drawdown of -24.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and IAUM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	IAUM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-24.37%	-21.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-24.37%	+15.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-24.37%	+7.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.69%	-21.99%	+16.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-5.38%	-2.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	8.46%	-4.36%

Volatility

VPU vs. IAUM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is 5.55%, while iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) has a volatility of 7.71%. This indicates that VPU 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

	VPU	IAUM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.55%	7.71%	-2.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.52%	23.82%	-12.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.41%	27.06%	-12.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	18.05%	-0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.13%	18.05%	+1.08%

VPU vs. IAUM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VPU and IAUM have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VPU vs. IAUM - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.64%, 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%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.64%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and IAUM in my portfolio?

VPU and IAUM have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPU or IAUM?

IAUM has higher volatility (7.71%) compared to VPU (5.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs IAUM's -24.37%.

Which ETF is better, VPU or IAUM?

On 3-year performance, IAUM leads with 29.28% vs 13.65% for VPU. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPU or IAUM?

Over the 3-year period, IAUM has performed better with a 29.28% return vs 13.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPU or IAUM?

VPU and IAUM have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.

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

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 0.00% for IAUM.

What is the main difference between VPU and IAUM?

VPU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while IAUM is Gold. VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while IAUM tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.90 vs 0.83), 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.