ETF Versus

AGG vs GLD

iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF vs SPDR Gold Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

AGG iShares

iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to the broad U.S. investment-grade bond market. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.94%. Launched in 2003, the fund has a 23-year track record.

AUM: $137.9B ER: 0.03% Yield: 3.94% Since: Sep 22, 2003
GLD State Street

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.40%. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.

AUM: $151.9B ER: 0.40% Yield: 0.00% Since: Nov 18, 2004

Quick Verdict

AGG is significantly cheaper at 0.03% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $727 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, GLD has significantly outperformed with a 52.3% return vs 0.0%. Income investors may prefer AGG for its higher yield (3.9% vs 0.0%).

Key Metrics

Metric AGG GLD
Expense Ratio 0.03% 0.40%
Dividend Yield 3.9% 0.0%
Fund Family iShares State Street
Category US Aggregate Bond Gold

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

80 123 166 209 252 295 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
AGG -13.0%
GLD +170.4%

Performance Comparison

Period AGG GLD Difference
1 Month -1.67% -10.65% +8.98%
3 Months -0.85% +9.93% -10.78%
6 Months -1.18% +22.42% -23.60%
YTD -0.85% +9.93% -10.78%
1 Year +0.04% +52.25% -52.21%
3 Years -0.82% +137.25% -138.07%
5 Years -13.01% +170.39% -183.40%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period AGG Fees GLD Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $60 $786 $727
$10.000 20 years $258 $3.334 $3.075
$10.000 30 years $835 $10.601 $9.765
$50.000 10 years $299 $3.932 $3.633
$50.000 30 years $4.176 $53.003 $48.827
$100.000 30 years $8.352 $106.005 $97.653

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric AGG GLD
Annualized Volatility 6.1% 17.8%
Max Drawdown -21.4% -21.0%
Sharpe Ratio -1.17 0.96

Dividend Comparison

Metric AGG GLD
Annual Dividend (per share) $3.90 $0.00
Dividend Yield 3.94% 0.00%
Distribution Frequency Monthly None

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose AGG if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose GLD if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose AGG if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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