IAUM vs SCHD
iShares Gold Trust Micro vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAUM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.38% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.54% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.48% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IAUM vs SCHD Performance
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year IAUM returned +29.38% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, IAUM is up 0.35% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, IAUM compounded at +31.54% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.48% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IAUM has the edge at +19.20% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -26.3% for IAUM and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAUM charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAUM currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAUM or SCHD?
IAUM has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAUM or SCHD?
Over the past year IAUM returned +29.38% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IAUM annualized +19.20% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAUM or SCHD?
IAUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IAUM -26.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IAUM and SCHD?
IAUM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAUM or SCHD?
IAUM yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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