IAUI vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIAUISPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.78%0.09%
AUM$489M$789.1B
Dividend Yield13.77%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return-8.60%+13.79%
1Y Return+7.46%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)20.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-25.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyNEOSState Street Investment Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJun 5, 2025Jan 22, 1993

IAUI vs SPY Performance

NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) is a ETF from NEOS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IAUI returned +7.46% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IAUI is down 8.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IAUI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.6% for IAUI and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IAUI charges 0.78% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $9 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAUI currently yields 13.77% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IAUI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IAUI or SPY?

IAUI has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IAUI or SPY?

Over the past year IAUI returned +7.46% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IAUI annualized +7.96% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IAUI or SPY?

IAUI has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IAUI -25.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both IAUI and SPY?

IAUI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IAUI and SPY?

IAUI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IAUI or SPY?

IAUI yields 13.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IAUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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