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iShares Gold TrustIAU
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About iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is a physically-backed gold ETF managed by BlackRock with a lower expense ratio than GLD. Each share represents approximately 1/100th of an ounce of gold, making it more accessible for smaller investments. IAU is the second-largest gold ETF by assets.
Investing in iShares Gold Trust
iShares Gold Trust (IAU) trades on major stock exchanges like any other equity, providing investors with exposure to its underlying assets without the complexities of direct ownership. Key considerations include the expense ratio, tracking accuracy, liquidity, and premium or discount to net asset value (NAV). ETFs offer intraday trading flexibility compared to mutual funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is iShares Gold Trust (IAU)?
- iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is a physically-backed gold ETF managed by BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager. Each share represents approximately 1/100th of an ounce of gold, making it more accessible for smaller investments. IAU has a lower expense ratio of 0.25% compared to GLD's 0.40%.
- How does IAU compare to GLD?
- IAU and GLD both hold physical gold in secure vaults, but IAU has a lower expense ratio (0.25% vs 0.40%) and a lower per-share price (1/100th vs 1/10th of an ounce). GLD offers higher liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, making it preferred by institutional traders, while IAU is often better for buy-and-hold investors.
- Where is IAU's gold stored?
- IAU's gold is stored in secure vaults managed by JPMorgan Chase in London and New York. The custodian is responsible for safekeeping, and the trust's holdings are audited regularly by an independent auditor. A full bar list is published daily.
- Is IAU a good investment for beginners?
- IAU is popular with retail investors due to its low per-share price (roughly $40-50 per share) and low expense ratio (0.25%). It provides the same gold exposure as buying physical bullion without storage, insurance, or assay costs. It can be purchased through any standard brokerage account.