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.
IAUI has outpaced IGLD over the trailing twelve months, posting a 4.40% total return against 3.47%. Measured from Jun 2025 — the start of shared available history — IGLD has compounded at 11.24% a year versus 10.32% for IAUI. 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 2, 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 2025” measures every fund from June 5, 2025 — 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 past year. 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 past year) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Distribution rate and SEC yield
Metric
IAUI
IGLD
Forward distribution rate
12.47%
7.06%
Trailing 12-month yield
14.00%
24.85%
30-day SEC yield
1.87%
—
Total return (price change plus reinvested distributions) is the Total returns section above. A 30-day SEC yield can sit far from the headline distribution rate; both numbers are the fund's own published fields.
Bottom lineChoose IAUI if you want a gold ETP option-income strategy and accept synthetic exposure. Choose IGLD if you want GLD-linked target-income exposure and accept FLEX-option complexity. Distributions can change. Compare net total returns, holdings, and final tax reporting; a payout rate is not a return forecast or proof of capital preservation.
Gold exposure through different option structures
IAUI combines gold ETP holdings with synthetic long exposure and written calls on gold ETPs. IGLD uses Treasury securities, cash, and a subsidiary holding FLEX options linked to GLD. IGLD is not a direct bullion portfolio, and neither fund's income is a dividend paid by gold itself.
IAUI
IGLD
Approach
Gold ETPs, synthetic long positions, and call writing
GLD-linked FLEX options with Treasury and cash holdings
Risk review
Gold-price losses, option obligations, and subsidiary structure
Gold-price losses, FLEX valuation/liquidity, and subsidiary structure
Expense ratio
0.79%
0.85%
Portfolio fit
Review combined holdings and weights
Review combined holdings and weights
How the risk works
Read this before the income numbers below: the strategy mechanics on this page shape what those payouts can cost you.
Capped upside and premium dependence. IAUI generates income by selling options, which trades away part of a strong rally in exchange for premium. Distributions can include return of capital, and a payout the underlying assets cannot sustain shows up as NAV erosion over time — the big yield number is not free.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
NEOS is known for developing specialized income-focused ETFs that employ strategies like covered calls, hedging, and enhanced yields across various asset classes. The firm manages 19 funds organized into nine distinct families, including offerings in equity high income, fixed income enhancement, digital assets, and alternative strategies, with popular tickers like SPYI (S&P 500 covered call), QQQI (Nasdaq-100 covered call), and QQQH (Nasdaq-100 hedged equity income). NEOS distinguishes itself in the ETF landscape through its emphasis on income generation and downside protection strategies rather than traditional growth approaches.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IAUI.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
First Trust is known for offering a diverse lineup of actively and passively managed ETFs across multiple investment styles and asset classes. Their fund families span income-focused strategies including dividend and covered call approaches, as well as thematic, factor-based, alternatives, and sector-specific offerings that appeal to different investor objectives. The issuer provides breadth across allocation, bond, buffer, commodities, and municipal fund categories, making them a comprehensive provider serving various portfolio construction and income-generation needs.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IGLD.
IAUI (NEOS Gold High Income ETF) and IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF®) are both monthly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
IAUI offers the higher yield at 12.47% vs 7.06% for IGLD. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
IAUI is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.79% compared to 0.85%.
They have different reference exposures: IAUI is linked to Gold ETPs while IGLD is linked to Gold, which means their performance drivers differ.
IAUI is the larger fund by assets ($626M), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.
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On a $10,000 investment, IAUI would generate roughly $103.92 cash per distribution, while IGLD would produce $58.83 cash per distribution, at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
IAUI yield12.47%
IGLD yield7.06%
Cash diff on $10K$45.08
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IAUI would cost approximately $790 in fees vs $850 for IGLD (simplified, not compounded). The $60.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
IAUI ER0.79%
IGLD ER0.85%
Strategy & risk
IAUI combines gold ETP holdings with synthetic long exposure and written calls on gold ETPs. IGLD uses Treasury securities, cash, and a subsidiary holding FLEX options linked to GLD. IGLD is not a direct bullion portfolio, and neither fund's income is a dividend paid by gold itself. Beta describes historical benchmark sensitivity, not guaranteed downside protection.
IAUI beta0.48
IGLD beta0.26
Fund details
IAUI is managed by NEOS (launched 06/05/2025) with $626M in assets. IGLD is managed by First Trust (launched 03/02/2021) with $593M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Does IGLD's higher payout prove better gold exposure?
No. Distribution policies, option positions, and measurement dates differ. Compare the current prospectuses, collateral, option strikes, and net total returns over matching dates. Treasury collateral does not turn either strategy into a cash substitute, and tax return of capital alone does not establish that a strategy lost money.
What is the difference between IAUI and IGLD?
IGLD (FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF®) targets income on a gold strategy. IAUI (NEOS Gold High Income ETF) writes calls on gold exposure. Both keep gold as the reference; the income engine differs. Cost is 0.79% versus 0.85%; size is $626M versus $593M. Distributions are 12.47% and 7.06% as of October 2026. Overlay design, not a gold-price bet, is the split.
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