iShares Gold Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF — how do they compare? iShares Gold Trust trades at $82.89, while Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF trades at $87.56. The key difference: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares Gold Trust nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IAU | VXUS | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Commodities - Metals/Agriculture | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $101.57 | $87.21 |
52-Week Low | $62.49 | $70.87 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IAU, the iShares Gold Trust ETF, trades at $82.98 with a 0.57% daily gain amid bullish technical signals from moving averages. The ETF benefits from gold's recent momentum as spot gold reached two-month highs above $4,430/oz following cooling CPI data. While oscillators show bearish signals with RSI at overbought levels, institutional interest remains strong with Deane Retirement Strategies increasing its stake by 36.5% in the latest quarter.
Outlook remains positive as gold gains support from inflation dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and central bank buying. Key risks include potential Fed policy shifts and dollar strength. The 0.25% expense ratio makes IAU attractive for conservative investors seeking gold exposure with lower volatility compared to mining stocks.
VXUS, the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF, trades at $87.54, up 0.82% today. The technical outlook is bullish based on moving averages, though oscillators are neutral and RSI levels suggest potential overbought conditions. Recent news highlights strong institutional buying and a 27.82% total return over the past year, emphasizing its role in diversifying beyond U.S. equities at a valuation discount.
The outlook for VXUS is positive, driven by international diversification benefits and strong recent performance. Key risks include global economic sensitivity and potential inflation impacts. Analyst sentiment is generally favorable, with institutional accumulation supporting long-term growth potential for investors seeking broad non-U.S. market exposure.
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 →VXUS is a comprehensive, low-cost ETF that tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, providing exposure to over 8,500 stocks in both developed and emerging markets outside the United States. It serves as a foundational building block for international diversification, allowing investors to own a market-cap-weighted slice of the entire non-U.S. investable equity universe in a single vehicle.
Read more on VXUS →