HYG vs IAU
HYG vs IAU · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | HYG | IAU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.56 | $87.94 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.25% | IAU |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $16.7B | $83.8B | IAU |
Performance Comparison
| Period | HYG | IAU |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -0.17% | -7.94% |
| 3M | -0.18% | +5.05% |
| 6M | +1.32% | +20.10% |
| YTD | +0.13% | +8.34% |
| 1Y | +9.86% | +53.58% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | HYG | $0.38 |
| March 2, 2026 | HYG | $0.39 |
| February 2, 2026 | HYG | $0.40 |
| December 19, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| December 1, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| November 3, 2025 | HYG | $0.41 |
| October 1, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| September 2, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| August 1, 2025 | HYG | $0.40 |
| July 1, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| June 2, 2025 | HYG | $0.38 |
| May 1, 2025 | HYG | $0.40 |
Key Differences
HYG and IAU serve different roles in many portfolios. Understanding the specific differences in cost, performance, and risk profile can help clarify which fund aligns with different investment objectives.
On the cost front, IAU (0.25% expense ratio) is more economical than HYG (0.49%). For a $100,000 investment, the annual fee difference is $240.00. Over decades, this cost advantage compounds meaningfully.
In terms of fund size, IAU manages $83.8B compared to HYG's $16.7B. This size advantage typically means IAU has better liquidity, making it easier to trade large positions without significant price impact.
All metrics shown are based on historical and trailing data. Forward-looking expectations may differ significantly from past performance.
How to Compare HYG and IAU
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: HYG charges 0.49% 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 HYG or IAU a better investment?
Whether HYG or IAU is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. HYG 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 HYG and IAU?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while HYG charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.24% difference costs approximately $24.00 per year.
Which fund is larger, HYG or IAU?
IAU has $83.8B 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 HYG vs IAU?
Both HYG 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