IAU vs IWM
IAU vs IWM · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | IAU | IWM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $87.94 | $251.29 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.19% | IWM |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $83.8B | $74.0B | IAU |
Performance Comparison
| Period | IAU | IWM |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -7.94% | -1.96% |
| 3M | +5.05% | -0.39% |
| 6M | +20.10% | +2.75% |
| YTD | +8.34% | +2.27% |
| 1Y | +53.58% | +40.18% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| March 17, 2026 | IWM | $0.44 |
| December 16, 2025 | IWM | $0.84 |
| September 16, 2025 | IWM | $0.68 |
| June 16, 2025 | IWM | $0.58 |
| March 18, 2025 | IWM | $0.46 |
| December 17, 2024 | IWM | $0.69 |
| September 25, 2024 | IWM | $0.75 |
| June 11, 2024 | IWM | $0.56 |
| March 21, 2024 | IWM | $0.52 |
| December 20, 2023 | IWM | $0.73 |
| September 26, 2023 | IWM | $0.83 |
| June 7, 2023 | IWM | $0.51 |
Key Differences
When choosing between IAU and IWM, several key metrics help distinguish these two ETFs. The following analysis covers the most relevant data points.
IWM charges an expense ratio of 0.19%, which is lower than IAU's 0.25%. This 0.06% difference translates to approximately $60.00 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 $2,700.00.
IAU is the larger fund with $83.8B in assets under management — roughly 1.1x the size of IWM's $74.0B. 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 IAU and IWM. Individual investment suitability depends on personal financial circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance.
How to Compare IAU and IWM
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: IAU charges 0.25% and IWM charges 0.19%.
- 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 IAU or IWM a better investment?
Whether IAU or IWM is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. IAU and IWM 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 IAU and IWM?
IWM has an expense ratio of 0.19%, while IAU charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.06% difference costs approximately $6.00 per year.
Which fund is larger, IAU or IWM?
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 IAU vs IWM?
Both IAU and IWM 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