IAU vs VEA
iShares Gold Trust vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-09
iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is an exchange-traded fund 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.
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.77%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEA is significantly cheaper at 0.03% vs 0.25% expense ratio, saving you approximately $435 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, IAU has significantly outperformed with a 51.5% return vs 32.7%.
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
VEA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.18% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.77% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.24% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 1.03% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.00% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.99% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.98% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.86% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.80% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEA 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.