IAU vs IAUM
ishares Gold Trust vs iShares Gold Trust Micro
Which is better, IAU or IAUM?
Nearly the same fund. IAUM costs less.
IAUM has a lower expense ratio. IAUM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAU | IAUM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09%Best |
| AUM | $62.1B | $8.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 1 | 2 |
| YTD Return | -5.51% | -5.40%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.23% | -1.09%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.53% | +28.76%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.65% | +17.85%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8%Best | 16.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -26.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $22,540 | $22,733Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Style | Gold | Gold |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2005 | Jun 15, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 29, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
IAU vs IAUM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.3 years both funds cover.
IAU vs IAUM Performance
ishares Gold Trust (IAU) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IAU returned -1.23% while IAUM returned -1.09%. Year to date, IAU is down 5.51% versus a loss of 5.40% for IAUM.
Over three years, IAU compounded at +28.53% per year against +28.76% for IAUM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.65% and +17.85% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 16.8% for IAU. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -26.4% for IAU and -26.3% for IAUM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAU charges 0.25% per year while IAUM charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAU currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for IAUM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IAU and IAUM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAU or IAUM?
IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25% while IAUM charges 0.09%. IAUM is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IAU or IAUM?
Over the past year IAU returned -1.23% vs -1.09% for IAUM, so IAUM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IAU or IAUM?
IAUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 16.8% for IAU. Worst drawdown: IAU -26.4% vs IAUM -26.3%.
Should I hold both IAU and IAUM?
IAU and IAUM have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAU or IAUM?
IAU yields 0.00% while IAUM yields 0.00%, so IAUM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IAUM better than IAU?
IAUM has a lower expense ratio. IAUM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 1.00. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.