GOAU vs IVV
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $195M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.31% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +57.90% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.79% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.02% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | May 15, 2000 |
GOAU vs IVV Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, GOAU is up 17.31% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +49.79% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +24.02% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +18.51% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.2% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -52.9% for GOAU and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and IVV share 0 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOAU or IVV?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or IVV?
Over the past year GOAU returned +57.90% vs +21.89% for IVV, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +18.51% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or IVV?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 37.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GOAU and IVV?
GOAU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and IVV?
GOAU and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or IVV?
GOAU yields 1.09% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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