IAUvsGLDETF Comparison
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The ETFs iShares Gold Trust ETF (IAU) and State Street SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) track the LBMA London Gold Market Fixing Price PM Index - USD and belong to the same industry segment: Gold. IAU is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.25%, versus 0.4% for GLD. IAU is up 2.6% year-to-date (YTD) with -$5.19B in YTD flows. GLD performs worse with 1.45% YTD performance, and -$5.35B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of IAU and GLD 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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IAU vs GLD performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 08/12/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | IAU GLD | +9.56%+9.54% | -5.44%-5.48% | +2.60%+1.45% | +32.08%+31.89% | +130.81%+129.82% | +150.20%+148.38% |
| Flows | IAU GLD | -$743M+$3.24B | -$3.31B-$1.26B | -$5.19B-$5.35B | -$79M+$7.79B | +$3.40B+$16.61B | +$556M+$10.74B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | IAU GLD | +26.51%+26.51% | +27.00%+28.37% | +19.96%+20.63% | +17.80%+18.45% |
| Max drawdown | IAU GLD | -14.76%-14.78% | -26.20%-26.25% | -26.20%-26.25% | -26.20%-26.25% |
| Max drawdown duration | IAU GLD | 90d90d | 195d195d | 195d195d | 195d195d |
Trading data
IAU | GLD | |
Last sale 8/13/2026 at 2:07 PM | $82.30 | $401.33 |
| Previous close 08/12/2026 | $82.98 | $404.92 |
| Consolidated volume 08/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of August 13, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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IAU | GLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
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| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 8/13/2026 at 2:07 PM
Live
Closed
IAU | GLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $82.30 | $401.33 |
| 1D performance | -0.83% | -0.89% |
| AuM | $65.01 B | $145.98 B |
| E/R | 0.25% | 0.4% |
Characteristics
IAU | GLD | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | iShares | State Street Investment Management |
| 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 | January 21, 2005 | November 18, 2004 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
IAU
Data will be available soon
GLD
Data will be available soon
Sectors
IAU
Data will be available soon
GLD
Data will be available soon
Diversification
IAU
Data will be available soon
GLD
Data will be available soon
Top 15 holdings
Data as of January 1, 1970
IAU
Data will be available soon
GLD
Data will be available soon
Frequently asked questions about IAU and GLD
How have the IAU and GLD ETFs performed in 2026?
As of August 12, 2026, IAU is up 2.6% year-to-date (YTD), while GLD has returned 1.45%. That puts IAU better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: IAU or GLD?
Year-to-date, the IAU ETF saw -$5.19B in flows, compared to -$5.35B for GLD.
Which ETF is more volatile: IAU or GLD?
Over the past year, IAU had a volatility of 27%, while GLD experienced 28.37%.
Which ETF is bigger: IAU or GLD?
As of August 12, 2026, IAU holds $65.01 B in assets under management (AUM), while GLD manages $145.98 B.
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Latest news about IAU & GLD
Can Gold Miner ETFs Be a Better Alternative to Leveraged Gold ETFs?
August 7, 2026
GLD
Gold and Silver ETF Prices Are Breaking from NAV During Volatile Markets
February 5, 2026
GLD
How PFIC Rules Could Trigger a Year-End Shock for Mining ETFs
October 30, 2025
GLD
Hedging the Hedge: Can Gold Itself Be Protected?
September 26, 2025
IAU
GLD
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