GLD vs IAU: Which Gold ETF Is Cheaper?
Both hold physical gold. IAU is 0.15% cheaper. That adds up.
IAU is the better pick for long-term gold investors. It costs 0.25% vs GLD's 0.40%. On a $50,000 position over 20 years, that fee difference costs roughly $1,500 in additional fees (before compounding). GLD's only genuine advantage is liquidity: it trades 5–10x more daily volume than IAU, which benefits institutional traders and anyone running large options strategies. For a retail investor buying and holding gold as a portfolio hedge, IAU wins.
Whether the lower-cost fund suits your situation depends on your existing holdings, account type, tax situation, and how you use each fund. This is a cost comparison, not a personalized recommendation.
Both funds trade commission-free at every major brokerage. Where to buy them →
📋 GLD vs IAU: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | GLD | IAU |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | SPDR Gold Shares | iShares Gold Trust |
| Issuer | State Street / World Gold Council | BlackRock |
| Tracks Index | Physical Gold (1/10 oz per share) | Physical Gold (1/100 oz per share) |
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.25% ✓ |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $40.00 | $25.00 |
| AUM | $141.7B | $62.2B |
| Holdings | 1 | 1 |
| Inception | 2004 | 2005 |
| 1-Year Return | -1.35% | -1.24% |
| 3-Year Return | +30.17% | +30.35% |
| 5-Year Return | +18.34% | +18.50% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.02% | 0.02% |
AUM and returns updated Oct 14, 2026 from ETF BFF database; expense ratios verified against issuer filings. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
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📊 GLD vs IAU: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want a hedge against inflation and market drawdowns
- already use State Street / World Gold Council and prefer staying within one fund family
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$15/yr per $10K vs GLD
- want a hedge against inflation and market drawdowns
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
⚙️ Want the Full Interactive Comparison?
Side-by-side holdings overlap, sector breakdown, and live performance tabs, all in one place.
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