Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year.
GLD has lagged IAUM over the trailing twelve months, posting a -3.64% total return against -3.28%. The lead holds up over 5 years too: IAUM has compounded at 18.62% a year, against 18.23% for GLD. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of October 16, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year. “Since Jun 2021” measures every fund from June 30, 2021 — the start of shared available history — 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.
Not a distribution payer
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) has no distribution rate on file and its distribution frequency is None. GLD is not a payer. The blank yield is not a zero yield. IAUM (iShares Gold Trust Micro) has no distribution rate on file and its distribution frequency is None. IAUM is not a payer. The blank yield is not a zero yield.
Side-by-side snapshot
Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric;
each column is one fund.
Bottom lineGLD and IAUM are both for investors who want a non-correlated hedge against inflation and market stress — so strategy isn't the deciding factor here. Cost is: IAUM charges 0.09% against 0.40% for GLD, and between two funds this similar that gap comes straight out of your return every year you hold.
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, operated by BlackRock, is one of the largest and most established ETF providers globally, known for offering broad, liquid index-tracking funds across nearly all asset classes and investment styles. The lineup encompasses a comprehensive range of strategies including core equity and bond exposure, dividend and income-focused funds, covered call strategies, ESG and thematic investments, factor-based approaches, alternatives, commodities, and municipal bonds, serving both individual and institutional investors. With numerous popular ticker symbols and extensive diversification across geographies, sectors, and investment objectives, iShares provides one of the market's widest selections of ETFs for building diversified portfolios.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IAUM.
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 ($142B), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.
Still deciding? Track GLD & IAUM for free
Create a free Dividend Vision account to keep them on a watchlist, get notified when they declare dividends, and see how much income they would add to your portfolio.
On a $10,000 investment, GLD has no reported distribution yield yet, so a cash estimate is not available, while IAUM has no reported distribution yield yet, so a cash estimate is not available, at current distribution rates.
GLD yield—
IAUM yield—
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 built around commodities exposure.
GLD beta0.44
IAUM beta0.44
Fund details
GLD is managed by State Street (launched 11/18/2004) with $142B in assets. IAUM is managed by iShares (launched 06/15/2021) with $7.99B in assets.
Do us a favor — if you found this comparison useful, please share it with a friend researching dividend ETFs.
Frequently asked questions
Which of GLD or IAUM pays more dividend income?
Neither GLD nor IAUM currently reports a distribution yield, so neither is an income fund today. Compare them on holdings, cost, and total return instead.
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 built around commodities exposure. 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 does not pay distributions, so there is no cash income to estimate. IAUM does not pay distributions, so there is no cash income to estimate.
Which has performed better historically, GLD or IAUM?
GLD has lagged IAUM over the trailing twelve months, posting a -3.64% total return against -3.28%. The lead holds up over 5 years too: IAUM has compounded at 18.62% a year, against 18.23% for GLD. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Explore related screeners
Lateral filters that include these funds — browse the full peer set on DividendVision.
Figures quoted in this analysis are from its generation date and may lag the live snapshot table above, which always shows the latest data.
Overview
GLD and IAUM are both gold-backed ETFs that track the price of physical gold bullion, holding actual metal in allocated vaults.
How they differ
Both funds have identical beta (0.44) and hold the same underlying asset, so the differences are operational. IAUM's inception date of 06/15/2021 makes it 5 years younger than GLD, which launched 11/18/2004; longer operational history can provide comfort on fund mechanics and administrative consistency, though both track the same commodity.
Who each is best for
GLD: Investors seeking a long-established, deeply liquid vehicle for gold exposure with a proven track record across multiple market cycles and the flexibility to trade at a wide range of share prices.
Key risks to know
Commodity price volatility: Gold's price fluctuates daily based on macroeconomic conditions, real interest rates, and USD strength; both funds move in lockstep with these swings, making them unsuitable for investors with low volatility tolerance.
Structural NAV alignment: Both funds hold physical bullion with custodial and insurance costs embedded in their expense ratios; any disruption to vault operations, geopolitical events affecting storage locations, or changes in custodial fees could create tracking error between fund NAV and spot gold prices.
No income generation: Neither fund distributes dividends or interest; they are pure price-appreciation vehicles, so investors relying on portfolio yield receive none from these holdings.
Currency risk for international investors: Gold is priced globally in USD; non-U.S. investors hold indirect USD exposure through these funds, which can amplify or dampen returns depending on currency moves.
Bottom line
If you prioritize the lowest possible cost and are comfortable with a newer fund, IAUM's 0.09% expense ratio stands out over GLD's 0.40%. If you value operational scale and historical track record, GLD's $142B asset base and 21 years year lifespan offer deeper institutional roots. Both track the same commodity with identical systematic risk, so the choice hinges on fee sensitivity and liquidity preferences rather than underlying exposure. Past performance does not predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.
Learn the method
The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.
Still deciding? Compare them against your own portfolio
See how each ETF fits alongside your real holdings — forecast future income, analyze overlap, and gauge risk. Start a free 7-day Dividend Vision trial and make the call with your full portfolio in view.
