Compare Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS) vs iShares Gold Trust (IAU) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Essex Property Trust, Inc. vs iShares Gold Trust — how do they compare? Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $298.49 (market cap $18.82B), while iShares Gold Trust trades at $74.82. The key difference: Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays a 3.54% dividend while iShares Gold Trust pays none, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares Gold Trust nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ESS | IAU | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $18.82B | — |
Sector | Real Estate | Commodities - Metals/Agriculture |
52-Week High | $298.33 | $101.57 |
52-Week Low | $239.61 | $61.62 |
Enterprise Value | $25.54B | — |
Dividend Yield | 3.54% | — |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ESS trades at $297.29, down slightly by 0.28% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 results expected soon. Fundamentals show robust profitability with a 30.03% net income margin and $669.67M net income for 2025, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 32.93 appear elevated. Recent news highlights sustainability initiatives and inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index.
The outlook for ESS is cautiously optimistic, supported by high West Coast rental demand and AI-driven employment growth. Risks include elevated debt levels and Seattle market weakness. Analysts are mixed with a $294.25 consensus price target, slightly below the current price, suggesting limited near-term upside amid solid operational performance.
IAU shares are trading at $74.92, down 1.77% amid broader gold market weakness. The technical picture shows bearish momentum with selling pressure across moving averages, while oscillators remain neutral. Recent economic data including stronger retail sales and manufacturing activity have pressured gold prices, offsetting earlier inflation relief. The stock faces resistance at $77 with support at $76.
The outlook remains cautious as Federal Reserve policy uncertainty and Treasury yield movements continue to drive gold price volatility. While central bank accumulation provides long-term support, near-term headwinds from economic data and dollar strength suggest continued pressure. Investors should monitor Fed communications and inflation trends for directional catalysts.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About Essex Property Trust, Inc.
Essex Property Trust owns a portfolio of 253 apartment communities with over 62,000 units and is developing three additional properties with 571 units. The company focuses on owning large, high-quality properties on the West Coast in the urban and suburban submarkets of Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle.
Read more on ESS →About iShares Gold Trust
IAU is a physically backed ETF that seeks to reflect the performance of the price of gold. It provides a convenient and liquid way for investors to include gold in their portfolios as a potential hedge.
Read more on IAU →
