WSML vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

WSML (iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - WSML is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI World Small Cap Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WSML returned 29.90% vs 22.51% for IAU. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

WSML vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WSML achieves a 16.08% return, which is significantly higher than IAU's -6.95% return.

WSML

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 16.08%
• 6M: 14.77%
• 1Y: 29.90%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -11.65%
• YTD: -6.95%
• 6M: -7.45%
• 1Y: 22.51%
• 3Y*: 27.56%
• 5Y*: 17.51%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

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

WSML vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	16.08%	29.10%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	-6.95%	37.69%

Correlation

The correlation between WSML and IAU is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	0.27

The correlation between WSML and IAU shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (all time) to 0.38 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

WSML vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

WSML

WSML Risk / Return Rank: 70
WSML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
WSML Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
WSML Omega Ratio Rank: 68
WSML Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
WSML Martin Ratio Rank: 72

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 23
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
IAU 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.

WSML vs. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). 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.

	WSML	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	0.82	+1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.74	1.18	+1.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.17	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	0.86	+1.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.21	2.35	+8.86

WSML vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WSML Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WSML and IAU, 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

WSML vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WSML drawdown since its inception was -10.70%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WSML and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	WSML	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.70%	-45.14%	+34.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.70%	-26.17%	+15.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.17%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.17%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.17%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-25.64%	+25.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.45%	-15.98%	+14.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	9.62%	-6.95%

Volatility

WSML vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is 5.10%, while iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has a volatility of 8.65%. This indicates that WSML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WSML	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	8.65%	-3.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.22%	24.35%	-12.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.52%	27.56%	-12.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.82%	18.25%	-0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.82%	16.02%	+1.80%

Dividends

WSML vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

WSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, while IAU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%
WSML iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF	2.78%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WSML and IAU in my portfolio?

WSML and IAU have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WSML or IAU?

IAU has higher volatility (8.65%) compared to WSML (5.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WSML dropped -10.70% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, WSML or IAU?

On 1-year performance, WSML leads with 29.90% vs 22.51% for IAU. On volatility, WSML has been the lower-risk option at 5.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WSML or IAU?

Over the 1-year period, WSML has performed better with a 29.90% return vs 22.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WSML or IAU?

WSML has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 0.00% for IAU.

What is the main difference between WSML and IAU?

WSML is categorized as Global Equities, while IAU is Gold. WSML tracks MSCI World Small Cap Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WSML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 0.82), 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.