iShares Gold Trust vs Marathon Petroleum Corp — how do they compare? iShares Gold Trust trades at $83.09, while Marathon Petroleum Corp trades at $340.61 (market cap $94.48B). The key difference: Marathon Petroleum Corp pays a 1.19% dividend while iShares Gold Trust pays none, and Marathon Petroleum Corp is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares Gold Trust nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IAU | MPC | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Commodities - Metals/Agriculture | Energy |
52-Week High | $101.57 | $336.42 |
52-Week Low | $62.49 | $159.11 |
Market Cap | — | $94.48B |
Enterprise Value | — | $121.00B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.19% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IAU, the iShares Gold Trust ETF, is trading at $83.305, up 0.96% with a bullish technical signal overall. The ETF benefits from gold's recent momentum as spot gold approaches $4,430/oz amid cooling inflation data and geopolitical tensions. Moving averages show bullish alignment while oscillators indicate some overbought conditions. Recent news highlights gold's safe-haven appeal with institutional buying and positive price forecasts.
The outlook remains positive given gold's role as an inflation hedge and safe-haven asset, supported by central bank demand and favorable CPI data. Risks include potential Fed policy shifts and dollar strength. Conservative investors favor IAU for its low 0.25% expense ratio and lower volatility compared to mining equities.
Marathon Petroleum (MPC) trades at $320.32, up 7.42% in 24 hours, reflecting strong momentum after Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations by 22.1%. The stock is in a bullish technical trend, supported by robust refining margins and disciplined operations. Recent news highlights MPC's advantage from global refining tightness and geopolitical disruptions. Valuation ratios like P/E of 11.67 and P/S of 0.65 suggest potential undervaluation relative to earnings growth.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus at Buy (75.76%) and a $332.70 price target, though risks include volatile energy markets and debt levels. Earnings growth and cash returns via dividends and buybacks are key catalysts, but investors should monitor refining margin sustainability and macroeconomic pressures.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Marathon Petroleum is an independent refiner with 13 refineries in the midcontinent, West Coast, and Gulf Coast of the United States with total throughput capacity of 2.9 million barrels per day. Its Dickinson, ND, facility produces 184 million gallons a year of renewable diesel. Its Martinez, CA, facility will have the ability to produce 730 million gallons a year of renewable diesel once converted. The firm also owns and operates midstream assets primarily through its listed MLP, MPLX.
Read more on MPC →