GLD vs VTI
GLD vs VTI · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | GLD | VTI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $429.41 | $323.76 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | VTI |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $184.9B | $2.1T | VTI |
Performance Comparison
| Period | GLD | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -7.88% | -3.34% |
| 3M | +5.05% | -4.15% |
| 6M | +20.07% | -1.30% |
| YTD | +8.35% | -3.13% |
| 1Y | +53.51% | +31.84% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 27, 2026 | VTI | $1.00 |
| December 22, 2025 | VTI | $0.95 |
| September 29, 2025 | VTI | $0.91 |
| June 30, 2025 | VTI | $0.91 |
| March 27, 2025 | VTI | $0.99 |
| December 23, 2024 | VTI | $0.94 |
| September 27, 2024 | VTI | $0.87 |
| June 28, 2024 | VTI | $0.95 |
| March 22, 2024 | VTI | $0.91 |
| December 21, 2023 | VTI | $1.00 |
| September 21, 2023 | VTI | $0.80 |
| June 23, 2023 | VTI | $0.83 |
Key Differences
When choosing between GLD and VTI, several key metrics help distinguish these two ETFs. The following analysis covers the most relevant data points.
VTI charges an expense ratio of 0.03%, which is lower than GLD's 0.40%. This 0.37% difference translates to approximately $370.00 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 $16,650.00.
VTI is the larger fund with $2.1T in assets under management — roughly 11.3x the size of GLD's $184.9B. Larger AUM generally correlates with higher trading volume, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs for investors.
These metrics provide a quantitative foundation for comparing GLD and VTI. Individual investment suitability depends on personal financial circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.
How to Compare GLD and VTI
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: GLD charges 0.40% and VTI charges 0.03%.
- 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 VTI a better investment?
Whether GLD or VTI is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. GLD and VTI 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 VTI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03%, while GLD charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.37% difference costs approximately $37.00 per year.
Which fund is larger, GLD or VTI?
VTI has $2.1T 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 VTI?
Both GLD and VTI 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