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iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
11/28/2025: IAU (5-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 62.41% | Avg. Invested days 96 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.33 | 52 Weeks Range 43.87 - 65.00 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 43.87 - 65.00 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
iShares Gold Trust
ETF Overview
Overview
The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is designed to track the price of gold. It provides investors with a convenient and cost-effective way to access gold as an investment without the complexities of directly owning and storing physical gold.
Reputation and Reliability
BlackRock is a leading global asset manager with a strong reputation and a long track record of managing ETFs. They are considered a reliable issuer.
Management Expertise
BlackRock has extensive experience and expertise in managing commodity-based ETFs. Their team is well-versed in the dynamics of the gold market.
Investment Objective
Goal
To reflect the price of gold held by the Trust, less the Trustu2019s expenses.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: IAU aims to reflect the price of gold by holding physical gold bullion.
Composition The ETF primarily holds physical gold bullion stored in secure vaults.
Market Position
Market Share: IAU holds a significant market share in the gold ETF sector.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 27950000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)
- Invesco DB Gold Fund (DGL)
- abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)
Competitive Landscape
The gold ETF market is dominated by a few large players. IAU's advantage lies in its lower expense ratio compared to GLD, while disadvantages may include lower trading volume compared to GLD, potentially affecting liquidity. SGOL offers similar low expense ratio.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance will mirror the price of gold. Recent performance must be checked and referenced from reliable data sources.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance is directly compared to the spot price of gold, and its tracking error is generally low.
Expense Ratio: 0.25
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
IAU typically exhibits moderate to high average trading volume, making it relatively liquid.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread is generally tight, indicating good liquidity and lower transaction costs.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic uncertainty, inflation expectations, interest rates, and geopolitical events significantly impact the price of gold and, consequently, IAU's performance.
Growth Trajectory
The growth trajectory depends on investor demand for gold as a safe-haven asset and its role in portfolios during periods of market volatility. Strategy and holding have remained fairly consistent.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
IAU's primary competitive advantage is its relatively low expense ratio compared to some of its larger competitors, making it a more cost-effective option for investors seeking gold exposure. BlackRock's reputation as a reliable ETF provider also contributes to its appeal. However, it is less liquid than GLD which may be a concern for larger trades. Its lower expense ratio is what attracts passive gold investors.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
IAU's volatility is directly correlated to the volatility of the gold market, which can be influenced by various factors.
Market Risk
The primary risk is market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of gold. Gold prices can be volatile and influenced by macroeconomic factors and investor sentiment.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is seeking to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or gain exposure to gold as a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty. This is best for investors who are seeking a passive ETF to track gold.
Market Risk
IAU is suitable for long-term investors seeking to diversify their portfolios or active traders looking to capitalize on short-term price movements in gold.
Summary
IAU provides investors with a convenient and cost-effective way to gain exposure to gold. The ETFu2019s performance is highly correlated with the price of gold, making it a suitable option for investors seeking a safe-haven asset. Its lower expense ratio compared to GLD makes it appealing to cost-conscious investors. However, investors should be aware of the volatility associated with gold prices, and potential fluctuations in gold prices due to economic factors.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- iShares website
- Bloomberg
- ETF.com
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made based on individual circumstances and consultation with a financial advisor. Market data is subject to change.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About iShares Gold Trust
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
The Trust seeks to reflect such performance before payment of the Trust"s expenses and liabilities. It is not actively managed. The Trust does not engage in any activities designed to obtain a profit from, or to ameliorate losses caused by, changes in the price of gold. The advisor intends to constitute a simple and cost-effective means of making an investment similar to an investment in gold. An investment in physical gold requires expensive and sometimes complicated arrangements in connection with the assay, transportation, warehousing and insurance of the metal.

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.
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