IAU vs SPY
ishares Gold Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $64.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.98% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.41% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2005 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IAU vs SPY Performance
ishares Gold Trust (IAU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IAU returned +37.98% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IAU is up 6.41% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IAU compounded at +34.19% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +20.41% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IAU has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 SPY. 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 SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAU or SPY?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAU or SPY?
Over the past year IAU returned +37.98% vs +21.82% for SPY, so IAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IAU annualized +11.36% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAU or SPY?
IAU has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IAU -45.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IAU and SPY?
IAU and SPY 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 SPY?
IAU yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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