Share-split context: This ETF has both forward- and reverse-split history. The most recent recorded event was on May 24, 2021 with coefficient 0.5. Current price-return figures are already split-adjusted. Forward splits receive no automatic performance penalty; reverse-split history remains a separate structural warning.

What this ETF is trying to do

The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the price of gold. Instead of buying physical gold bars and storing them in a safe, investors can buy shares of this ETF on the NYSE exchange.

What the numbers show

As of October 7, 2026, the share price of IAU is $77.06. Because this ETF has a history of share splits, we look at split-adjusted returns to see how it has performed.

• Year-to-Date (YTD): The price return and total return are both -5.06%.

• One Year: The price return and total return are both 2.73%.

• Three Year: The price return and total return are both 122.46%.

• Five Year: The total return is 130.72%.

In this case, the price return (the change in share price) and the total return (the overall return) are the same because the fund does not pay out cash distributions.

Income and distribution explanation

Some ETFs pay investors regular cash payments called distributions. However, IAU has a distribution yield of 0% and no distributions were detected over the last 12 months. This means investors do not receive a cash income from holding this ETF; they only make money if the share price increases.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV erosion" happens when the actual value of the assets inside a fund drops over time, which can lead to a falling share price. StockValueFinder uses an erosion-risk score to measure this.

IAU has an erosion score of 94, which is labeled as "Stable / sideways" with "good" severity. Additionally, the severe erosion-risk flag is false. This indicates that the fund has not triggered warnings for substantial price deterioration.

Share Split History

IAU has a "mixed" split history, meaning it has had both forward and reverse splits in the past. The most recent event happened on May 24, 2021, with a coefficient of 0.5.

Generally, in a forward split, one old share becomes multiple new shares, and the price per share drops. In a reverse split, multiple old shares are combined into fewer new shares, and the price per share rises. These events change the number of shares you own, but they do not create a gain or a loss by themselves.

Pros

• Strong long-term performance over three and five years.

• A "good" erosion-risk rating, suggesting price stability.

Cons

• No cash income or distributions for investors.

• Negative price return so far this year.

Beginner takeaway

IAU is a way to track gold without owning the metal physically. While it has shown significant growth over several years, it does not provide a monthly or yearly check (yield). Investors in this ETF rely entirely on the price of gold going up to make a profit.