GLDvsAAAUETF Comparison
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The ETFs State Street SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) and Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) track the LBMA London Gold Market Fixing Price PM Index - USD and belong to the same industry segment: Gold. GLD is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.4%, versus 0.18% for AAAU. GLD is up 4.55% year-to-date (YTD) with -$2.96B in YTD flows. AAAU performs better with 5.79% YTD performance, and +$197M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of GLD and AAAU below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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GLD vs AAAU performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 08/28/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GLD AAAU | +13.40%+13.42% | +3.14%+3.19% | +4.55%+5.79% | +33.38%+33.66% | +135.43%+136.93% | +148.75%+151.44% |
| Flows | GLD AAAU | +$4.73B+$125M | +$1.32B+$106M | -$2.96B+$197M | +$10.37B+$633M | +$19.96B+$1.19B | +$14.39B+$1.36B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | GLD AAAU | +26.04%+26.04% | +28.57%+27.20% | +20.70%+20.01% | +18.49%+17.83% |
| Max drawdown | GLD AAAU | -12.20%-12.17% | -26.25%-26.18% | -26.25%-26.18% | -26.25%-26.18% |
| Max drawdown duration | GLD AAAU | 81d81d | 211d211d | 211d211d | 211d211d |
Trading data
GLD | AAAU | |
Last sale 8/31/2026 at 1:30 PM | $408.42 | $43.88 |
| Previous close 08/28/2026 | $408.89 | $43.94 |
| Consolidated volume 08/28/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of September 1, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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GLD | AAAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
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| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 8/31/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
GLD | AAAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $408.42 | $43.88 |
| 1D performance | -0.11% | -0.14% |
| AuM | $152.87 B | $2.87 B |
| E/R | 0.4% | 0.18% |
Characteristics
GLD | AAAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | State Street Investment Management | Goldman Sachs |
| Benchmark | LBMA London Gold Market Fixing Price PM Index | LBMA London Gold Market Fixing Price PM Index |
| N° of holdings | - | - |
| Asset class | Commodities | Commodities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | November 18, 2004 | July 26, 2018 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
GLD
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AAAU
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Sectors
GLD
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AAAU
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Diversification
GLD
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AAAU
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Top 15 holdings
Data as of January 1, 1970
GLD
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AAAU
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Frequently asked questions about GLD and AAAU
How have the GLD and AAAU ETFs performed in 2026?
As of August 28, 2026, GLD is up 4.55% year-to-date (YTD), while AAAU has returned 5.79%. That puts AAAU better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: GLD or AAAU?
Year-to-date, the GLD ETF saw -$2.96B in flows, compared to +$197M for AAAU.
Which ETF is more volatile: GLD or AAAU?
Over the past year, GLD had a volatility of 28.57%, while AAAU experienced 27.2%.
Which ETF is bigger: GLD or AAAU?
As of August 28, 2026, GLD holds $152.87 B in assets under management (AUM), while AAAU manages $2.87 B.
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Latest news about GLD & AAAU
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August 24, 2026
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