What do the expense ratios for IAU and IAUM represent?

An expense ratio is the annual fee charged by a fund for managing its assets. For IAU (stock_1), the expense ratio is 0.25%. For IAUM (stock_2), it is 0.09%. These figures are deducted from the fund's total assets and affect net returns. IAUM has a lower expense ratio by 0.16 percentage points, which might appeal to investors focused on minimising costs, though other factors are equally important.

Why is net assets information relevant to comparing ETFs like IAU and IAUM?

Net assets refer to the total value of the fund's holdings minus any liabilities. IAU has substantial net assets of $64.9 billion, suggesting potentially robust liquidity and stability. IAUM has $8.1 billion in net assets, which also supports reasonable liquidity. Generally, larger funds might offer better liquidity but this alone does not determine investment suitability.

How might the difference in expense ratios impact long-term investment returns?

The 0.16 percentage point difference in expense ratios between IAU (0.25%) and IAUM (0.09%) could lead to a larger compounding cost gap over time. On a $10,000 investment, IAUM charges $9 annually, while IAU charges $25. Over decades, this difference can influence total wealth accumulation, assuming all other factors remain equal. However, tracking differences may also influence returns.

What does the inception date tell us about the operational history of each fund?

IAU was launched on 21 January 2005, providing a long operational history and potentially more track record data. IAUM was launched on 15 June 2021, indicating a newer fund. A longer history may help assess consistency and reliability, while a newer fund might use a more recent structure or lower cost base, but with less historical data to evaluate.

What are the dividend yield differences between IAU and IAUM?

Both IAU and IAUM report a dividend yield of 0.00% according to the provided data. These ETFs are focused on commodities and may not distribute income regularly. Investors should review the fund documentation to understand how returns are generated, which may involve price appreciation rather than dividends.

What specific index or market segment do IAU and IAUM track?

The tracking details for the indices associated with IAU and IAUM are not available in the provided context. Without knowing the specific tracking details, assessing how closely each fund replicates its benchmark or how their market exposures differ is not possible.

Are there any shared top holdings between IAU and IAUM?

The top 10 holdings data are not available for either IAU or IAUM. Without this detailed information, it is not possible to determine whether there is any overlap or how similar the underlying asset allocations are between the two funds.

How does liquidity appear based on the net assets of IAU and IAUM?

IAU has $64.9 billion in net assets, which often implies strong liquidity due to significant asset base. IAUM, with $8.1 billion, also supports reasonable liquidity. Higher liquidity can facilitate easier buying and selling, but actual trading conditions depend on factors such as bid-ask spreads and market depth, not just asset size.

What category and sector focus is common to both IAU and IAUM?

Both IAU and IAUM fall under the 'Commodities Focused' category. This implies that both funds may provide exposure to commodities, although the specific commodities or strategies might differ without additional tracking or holdings data.

How does the operational history of IAU compare with IAUM?

IAU has been available to investors since 2005, giving it a much longer operational history. IAUM launched in 2021 and benefits from a modern structure and lower cost base. Longer history can provide a track record for performance consistency, but newer funds may offer competitive expense ratios and updated methodologies.

IAU vs IAUM

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare IAU (Ishares Gold Ishares New (post Rev Split)) and IAUM (iShares Gold Trust). This page examines expense ratios, net assets, dividend yields, and market tracking details. Note that specific holdings and index data are not available for these funds. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IAU

Metric

IAUM

0.25%

Expense Ratio

0.09%

0.00%

Dividend Yield

0.00%

$64.93B

Net Assets

$8.09B

Holdings

–

Jan 21, 2005

Inception Date

Jun 15, 2021

–

Index Tracked

–

Commodities Focused

Fund Category

Commodities Focused

IAUM costs about $16.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

IAU

Pros

The fund offers a lower expense ratio compared to many alternatives in the commodities sector.
It has been available to investors since 2005, providing a long operational history.
Net assets are substantial at $64.9 billion, potentially indicating robust liquidity.

Considerations

The expense ratio is higher than the more recent version of this fund.
The dividend yield is not available.
Information on top holdings is not available.

IAUM

Pros

The expense ratio is notably low.
Net assets are $8.1 billion, supporting reasonable liquidity levels.
Launched in 2021, it benefits from a modern structure and lower cost base.

Considerations

The fund is relatively new with limited operational history.
The dividend yield is not available.
Details on top holdings are not available.

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About IAU and IAUM

IAU (IAU)

IAUM (IAUM)

The iShares Gold Trust (IAUM) is an exchange-traded fund designed to offer investors exposure to the gold market. By holding undivided beneficial interests in gold bullion, the fund aims to reflect the performance of the spot price of gold, less the fund's expenses and liabilities. With a notably low expense ratio of 0.09%, it can be an accessible vehicle for those seeking to diversify portfolios with commodities. Investors should note that while gold is often viewed as a store of value and potential hedge against economic uncertainty, its price can be volatile and influenced by global monetary policies and market sentiment. IAUM does not distribute dividends, so returns depend solely on changes in the price of gold. As with any investment, values can fall as well as rise, and it is important to consider your own circumstances before investing.

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IAU vs IAUM

Fund Snapshot