IAU vs SCHD
iShares Gold Trust vs Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-10
iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges a moderate expense ratio of 0.25%. Launched in 2005, the fund has a 21-year track record.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.44%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.
Quick Verdict
SCHD is significantly cheaper at 0.06% vs 0.25% expense ratio, saving you approximately $375 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, IAU has significantly outperformed with a 50.0% return vs 22.8%.
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
SCHD Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 4.41% |
| ConocoPhillipsCOP | 4.28% |
| Merck & Co., Inc.MRK | 4.15% |
| The Coca-Cola CompanyKO | 4.08% |
| Texas Instruments IncorporatedTXN | 4.07% |
| UnitedHealth Group IncorporatedUNH | 3.98% |
| Verizon Communications Inc.VZ | 3.96% |
| PepsiCo, Inc.PEP | 3.95% |
| Abbott LaboratoriesABT | 3.73% |
| Amgen Inc.AMGN | 3.73% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose SCHD if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose IAU if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.