ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for its flagship SPDR suite of exchange-traded products that serve both institutional and retail investors across a broad range of asset classes. Their 88-fund lineup spans diverse strategies including sector exposure (Select Sector SPDR), income generation (Income and Select Sector SPDR Premium Income families), commodities (including the widely-held GLD gold ETF), bonds, ESG-focused investments, and thematic allocations, with popular tickers like DIA (Diamonds Trust), FEZ (Eurozone exposure), and JNK (high-yield bonds) among their most recognized funds. The issuer is characterized by its comprehensive coverage across multiple market segments and its emphasis on both traditional index-based products and specialized strategies like covered call income funds and factor-based investing.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on GLD.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IAUM.
Reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion less trust expenses.
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Asset class
Commodity
Commodity
Inception date
11/18/2004
06/15/2021
Beta
0.41
0.41
Bottom lineGLD and IAUM are nearly interchangeable — both offer very similar gold bullion exposure with very similar cost and risk. The clearest tie-breaker is cost: IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40%.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
GLD has lagged IAUM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 20.82% total return against 21.18%. The lead holds up over 5 years too: IAUM has compounded at 17.43% a year, against 17.06% for GLD. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 14, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Jun 2021” measures every fund from June 30, 2021 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) are both ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IAUM is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.40%.
GLD is the larger fund by assets ($136B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, GLD has no reported distribution yield yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available, while IAUM has no reported distribution yield yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available, at current distribution rates.
GLD yield0.00%
IAUM yield0.00%
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, GLD would cost approximately $400 in fees vs $90 for IAUM (simplified, not compounded). The $310.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
GLD ER0.40%
IAUM ER0.09%
Strategy & risk
GLD tracks Gold bullion spot price with a metals approach, while IAUM is an ETF.
GLD beta0.41
IAUM beta0.41
Fund details
GLD is managed by State Street (launched 11/18/2004) with $136B in assets. IAUM is managed by iShares (launched 06/15/2021) with $6.52B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Which of GLD or IAUM pays more dividend income?
IAUM currently reports a distribution yield, while GLD has not yet established a full distribution history. A direct income comparison is not yet meaningful — check back once both funds have published several consecutive distributions.
What is the difference between GLD and IAUM?
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) tracks Gold bullion spot price with a metals approach, while IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) is an ETF. They are issued by State Street and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both GLD and IAUM?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, GLD or IAUM?
GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while IAUM charges 0.09%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in GLD vs IAUM generate?
At current rates, GLD has not established a distribution history yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available. IAUM has not established a distribution history yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available.
Which has performed better historically, GLD or IAUM?
GLD has lagged IAUM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 20.82% total return against 21.18%. The lead holds up over 5 years too: IAUM has compounded at 17.43% a year, against 17.06% for GLD. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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