IAU vs IYR
iShares Gold Trust vs iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
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.
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (IYR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate companies. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.38%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.37%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
Quick Verdict
IAU is significantly cheaper at 0.25% vs 0.38% expense ratio, saving you approximately $253 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, IAU has significantly outperformed with a 52.4% return vs -1.0%. Income investors may prefer IYR for its higher yield (2.4% vs 0.0%).
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
IYR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Welltower Inc.WELL | 10.03% |
| Prologis, Inc.PLD | 9.11% |
| Equinix, Inc.EQIX | 4.68% |
| Digital Realty Trust, Inc.DLR | 4.59% |
| Simon Property Group, Inc.SPG | 4.50% |
| Realty Income CorporationO | 4.44% |
| American Tower CorporationAMT | 4.39% |
| Public StoragePSA | 3.40% |
| Ventas, Inc.VTR | 3.15% |
| CBRE Group, Inc.CBRE | 3.10% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose IAU 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.
Choose IYR if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.