GLDvsIAUETF Comparison
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The ETFs SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) and iShares Gold Trust ETF (IAU) 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 0.25% for IAU. GLD is up 6.48% year-to-date (YTD) with -$2.04B in YTD flows. IAU performs better with 7.62% YTD performance, and -$2.31B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of GLD and IAU 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 IAU performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/02/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GLD IAU | -7.86%-9.54% | +4.01%+3.26% | +6.48%+7.62% | +48.13%+53.51% | +131.19%+130.04% | +163.55%+162.66% |
| Flows | GLD IAU | -$7.86B-$3.11B | -$2.04B-$2.12B | -$2.04B-$2.31B | +$14.79B+$5.60B | +$18.28B+$5.89B | +$13.69B+$3.51B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | GLD IAU | +42.05%+38.64% | +27.41%+25.90% | +19.14%+18.42% | +17.67%+16.92% |
| Max drawdown | GLD IAU | -18.40%-18.38% | -18.40%-18.38% | -18.40%-18.38% | -20.33%-20.25% |
| Max drawdown duration | GLD IAU | 63d67d | 63d67d | 63d67d | 653d400d |
Trading data
GLD | IAU | |
Last sale 4/7/2026 at 1:30 PM | $431.82 | $88.47 |
| Previous close 04/06/2026 | $427.65 | $87.61 |
| Consolidated volume 04/06/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of April 7, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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GLD | IAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 4/7/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
GLD | IAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $431.82 | $88.47 |
| 1D performance | +0.98% | +0.98% |
| AuM | $156.71 B | $71.43 B |
| E/R | 0.4% | 0.25% |
Characteristics
GLD | IAU | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | SPDR | iShares |
| 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 | January 21, 2005 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
GLD
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IAU
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Sectors
GLD
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IAU
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Diversification
GLD
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IAU
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Top 15 holdings
Data as of January 1, 1970
GLD
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IAU
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Frequently asked questions about GLD and IAU
How have the GLD and IAU ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 2, 2026, GLD is up 6.48% year-to-date (YTD), while IAU has returned 7.62%. That puts IAU better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: GLD or IAU?
Year-to-date, the GLD ETF saw -$2.04B in flows, compared to -$2.31B for IAU.
Which ETF is more volatile: GLD or IAU?
Over the past year, GLD had a volatility of 27.41%, while IAU experienced 25.9%.
Which ETF is bigger: GLD or IAU?
As of April 2, 2026, GLD holds $156.71 B in assets under management (AUM), while IAU manages $71.43 B.
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