GLD vs IAU
GLD vs IAU · Last updated April 11, 2026
| Metric | GLD | IAU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $437.13 | $89.56 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.25% | IAU |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $184.9B | $83.8B | GLD |
Performance Comparison
| Period | GLD | IAU |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | N/A | N/A |
| 3M | N/A | N/A |
| 6M | N/A | N/A |
| YTD | N/A | N/A |
| 1Y | N/A | N/A |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
No dividend data available for these securities.
Key Differences
GLD (GLD) and IAU (IAU) are both popular exchange-traded funds that investors frequently compare. Here is how they differ based on the latest available data.
IAU charges an expense ratio of 0.25%, which is lower than GLD's 0.40%. This 0.15% difference translates to approximately $150.00 per year on a $100,000 investment. Over a 30-year period, the compounding effect of lower fees could result in a difference of roughly $6,750.00.
GLD is the larger fund with $184.9B in assets under management — roughly 2.2x the size of IAU's $83.8B. Larger AUM generally correlates with higher trading volume, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs for investors.
All metrics shown are based on historical and trailing data. Forward-looking expectations may differ significantly from past performance.
How to Compare GLD and IAU
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: GLD charges 0.40% and IAU charges 0.25%.
- For liquidity, larger funds with higher AUM typically have tighter bid-ask spreads and more efficient trading.
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GLD or IAU a better investment?
Whether GLD or IAU is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. GLD and IAU differ in key metrics like expense ratio, dividend yield, and assets under management. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
What is the expense ratio difference between GLD and IAU?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while GLD charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.15% difference costs approximately $15.00 per year.
Which fund is larger, GLD or IAU?
GLD has $184.9B in assets under management, making it the larger fund. Larger funds tend to have better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads.
What are the risks of investing in GLD vs IAU?
Both GLD and IAU carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
See how expense ratio differences affect your returns over time → Expense Ratio Calculator