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IAU vs SGOL: Performance & Backtest Comparison
IAU delivered the higher return - 8.32% CAGR vs 8.29% - over 2009-10-31 → 2026-06-30.
Growth comparison
Drawdown
Annual returns
| IAU | SGOL | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | iShares Gold Trust Shares | abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF |
| CAGR | 8.32% | 8.29% |
| Total return | 281.63% | 279.38% |
| Volatility | 16.70% | 16.69% |
| Max drawdown | -42.59%Dec 2015 | -42.84%Dec 2015 |
| Sharpe | 0.48 | 0.48 |
| Sortino | 0.83 | 0.82 |
| Best year | 63.95% | 63.99% |
| Worst year | -28.25% | -28.34% |
| Final balance | $38,163 | $37,938 |
Correlation of monthly returns: 1.00. Wondering if you need both? Check their fund overlap →
All figures are total returns: every dividend and distribution is reinvested on its ex-date, and prices are split-adjusted. See the methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Which has performed better, IAU or SGOL?
Over 2009-10-31 to 2026-06-30, IAU performed better: 8.32% annualized versus 8.29% for SGOL, with dividends reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How similar are IAU and SGOL?
Their monthly returns have a correlation of 1.00 over the common period. IAU is iShares Gold Trust Shares; SGOL is abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF.
Which is riskier, IAU or SGOL?
Over the common period IAU had 16.70% annualized volatility and a -42.59% max drawdown, versus 16.69% and -42.84% for SGOL.