Dividend comparison
GLDM vs IAUM: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust and iShares Gold Trust Micro, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
GLDM vs IAUM: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Fees. IAUM is cheaper at 0.09% a year versus 0.10% for GLDM. On $10,000 that is $1 a year less in fees.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, IAUM returned 130.1% versus 129.5% for GLDM, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $23,010 in IAUM and $22,952 in GLDM.
- Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -26.3% for GLDM and -26.3% for IAUM from peak to trough.
- Size. GLDM is the larger fund with $31.2 billion in assets, against $8.0 billion for IAUM.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
GLDM
—/mo
Yield data unavailable
IAUM
—/mo
Yield data unavailable
Strategy: Precious metals
Funds that hold physical gold or silver in vaults, or the companies that mine it. Physical-metal funds that hold the same bullion differ mainly in fee, share price and trading liquidity, while miner funds behave like leveraged equity bets on the metal price. None of them pay a dividend from the metal itself.
Metal prices can fall for years with no income to cushion the decline, and gains in physical-metal funds can be taxed at the higher collectibles rate in the US.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $22,952 in GLDM and $23,010 in IAUM.
| Period | GLDM | IAUM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | -5.90% | -5.78% |
| 3 months | 2.79% | 2.68% |
| Year to date | -4.56% | -4.47% |
| 1 year | -6.01% | -5.93% |
| 3 years | 107.54% | 107.74% |
| 5 years | 129.52% | 130.10% |
- GLDM
- IAUM
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
- GLDM
- IAUM
Quick verdict
Compare the metrics above, then add both tickers to a Dividend Wealth portfolio to see combined income forecasts and diversification impact.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how GLDM vs IAUM fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is GLDM or IAUM better for dividend income?
Compare yield, payout sustainability, and how each fund or stock fits your income goals. Use Dividend Wealth to model both holdings inside a real portfolio forecast.
What is the difference between GLDM and IAUM?
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) is an ETF listed on AMEX. iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, GLDM or IAUM?
IAUM has the lower expense ratio. GLDM charges 0.10% a year and IAUM charges 0.09%, a difference of $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, GLDM or IAUM?
Over the last 5 years, IAUM has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: GLDM returned 129.5% and IAUM returned 130.1%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, GLDM or IAUM?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, IAUM has been riskier: GLDM fell as much as 26.3% and IAUM as much as 26.3%. Their betas are 0.41 and 0.41.
Can I hold both GLDM and IAUM?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare GLDM vs IAUM with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how GLDM and IAUM fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
Related comparisons
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.