iShares Gold Trust charges half the expense ratio of iShares Silver Trust and exhibits less price volatility over time.
iShares Gold Trust (IAU) maintains a 0.25% annual expense ratio, undercutting iShares Silver Trust (SLV), which charges 0.5%. The lower cost structure aligns with IAU’s historically lower volatility, measured by beta relative to the S&P 500.
Over the past year, SLV has delivered stronger price appreciation, reflecting silver’s higher volatility. Both trusts track spot prices directly, avoiding operational risks tied to mining stocks, but gold remains the more stable long-term holding.
Investors seeking safe-haven exposure or hedges against market turbulence often favor gold, while silver’s volatility attracts those targeting short-term gains.