IAU vs VYM
ishares Gold Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IAU or VYM?
Gold against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IAU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAU | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $64.4B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 1 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -0.36% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +18.40%Best | +17.82% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.71%Best | +17.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.01%Best | +12.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,874Best | $17,750 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 10, 2026 (19.8 years).
IAU vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.8 years both funds cover.
IAU vs VYM Performance
ishares Gold Trust (IAU) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IAU returned +18.40% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, IAU is down 0.36% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, IAU compounded at +30.71% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.01% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IAU has the edge at +10.01% annualized vs +6.91%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.5% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAU charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAU currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IAU and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAU or VYM?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IAU or VYM?
Over the past year IAU returned +18.40% vs +17.82% for VYM, so IAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IAU annualized +10.01% vs +6.91% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IAU or VYM?
IAU has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IAU -45.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IAU and VYM?
IAU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAU or VYM?
IAU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IAU?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IAU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.