IAU vs IVV
ishares Gold Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $64.2B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.98% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.41% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2005 | May 15, 2000 |
IAU vs IVV Performance
ishares Gold Trust (IAU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IAU returned +37.98% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, IAU is up 6.41% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, IAU compounded at +34.19% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +20.41% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IAU has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +7.00%. 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 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 -45.1% for IAU 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAU charges 0.25% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAU currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAU or IVV?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAU or IVV?
Over the past year IAU returned +37.98% vs +21.89% for IVV, so IAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IAU annualized +11.36% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAU or IVV?
IAU has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IAU -45.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IAU and IVV?
IAU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAU or IVV?
IAU yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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