GLD vs IAU
SPDR Gold Shares vs ishares Gold Trust
Quick Verdict
IAU has a lower expense ratio. IAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. GLD offers more diversification with 2 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | IAU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $143.8B | $64.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 1 | |
| YTD Return | +6.30% | +6.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.77% | +37.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.99% | +34.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.23% | +20.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -45.1% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2004 | Jan 21, 2005 |
GLD vs IAU Performance
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and ishares Gold Trust (IAU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GLD returned +37.77% while IAU returned +37.98%. Year to date, GLD is up 6.30% versus a gain of 6.41% for IAU.
Over three years, GLD compounded at +33.99% per year against +34.19% for IAU; over five years the annualized figures are +20.23% and +20.41% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IAU has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +10.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 17.4% for GLD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -45.6% for GLD and -45.1% for IAU. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLD charges 0.40% per year while IAU charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $25 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLD currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for IAU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLD or IAU?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while IAU charges 0.25%. IAU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLD or IAU?
Over the past year GLD returned +37.77% vs +37.98% for IAU, so IAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), GLD annualized +10.92% vs +11.36% for IAU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLD or IAU?
IAU has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 17.4% for GLD. Worst drawdown: GLD -45.6% vs IAU -45.1%.
Should I hold both GLD and IAU?
GLD and IAU have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLD or IAU?
GLD yields 0.00% while IAU yields 0.00%, so IAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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