AGG vs GLD: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF vs SPDR Gold Shares Comparison
Compare AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) by expense ratio, dividend yield, holdings, and more.
Key Differences
- 1Expense ratio: AGG 0.03% vs GLD 0.4% (AGG is 0.37%p cheaper)
- 2Dividend yield: AGG 3.12% vs GLD 0%
- 3Holdings: AGG 11,245 vs GLD 1
- 4Issuer: AGG (BlackRock(iShares)) vs GLD (State Street(SPDR))
Conclusion
AGG has an overall advantage with lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.4%), higher dividend yield (3.12% vs 0%). However, GLD also offers Portfolio hedge, making it worth considering depending on your portfolio goals.
| Category | AGG | GLD |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF | SPDR Gold Shares |
| Current Price | ... | ... |
| Category | Bonds & Commodities | Bonds & Commodities |
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.4% |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 0% |
| Holdings | 11245 | 1 |
AGG Top Holdings
- 1. U.S. Treasury Bonds
- 2. MBS
- 3. Corporate Bonds
- 4. Government Agency Bonds
GLD Top Holdings
- 1. Physical Gold
AGG Features
- •Bond investing
- •Stability
- •Low volatility
- •Diversification benefit
GLD Features
- •Gold investing
- •Safe-haven asset
- •Inflation hedge
- •Crisis response
Pros & Cons
AGG
Advantages
- ✓ Portfolio stabilization
- ✓ Negative correlation with equities
- ✓ Stable returns
Disadvantages
- ⚠ Rising interest rate risk
- ⚠ Low returns
- ⚠ Inflation risk
GLD
Advantages
- ✓ Portfolio hedge
- ✓ Inflation defense
- ✓ Benefits from dollar weakness
Disadvantages
- ⚠ No dividends
- ⚠ Storage costs
- ⚠ Opportunity cost
Investment Strategy
Best For: AGG
Stocks:bonds = 60:40 or age-adjusted ratio
Best For: GLD
Allocate 5-10% for crisis hedging; increase during economic uncertainty
Detailed Analysis
AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) Both belong to the Bonds & Commodities category, covering a similar investment area but with different strategies. AGG: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to bonds, gold, and other commodities. It carries an expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.12%. The portfolio holds 11245 securities. With an expense ratio of 0.03% and dividend yield of 3.12%, its top holdings include U.S. Treasury Bonds, MBS, Corporate Bonds. Key features include Bond investing, Stability, with Portfolio stabilization being a major advantage. GLD: SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to bonds, gold, and other commodities. It carries an expense ratio of 0.40%. The portfolio holds 1 securities. With an expense ratio of 0.4% and dividend yield of 0%, top holdings include Physical Gold. Notable features are Gold investing, Safe-haven asset, with Portfolio hedge as a core strength. In terms of expense ratio, AGG is 0.37%p cheaper, which can lead to significant cost savings through compounding over long-term investment. Over 20 years with a $100,000 investment, this difference can amount to thousands of dollars.
Investment Recommendation
AGG is suitable for Stocks:bonds = 60:40 or age-adjusted ratio, while GLD is suitable for Allocate 5-10% for crisis hedging; increase during economic uncertainty. Since both ETFs are in the same category, choosing one for your portfolio is more efficient. Base your decision on expense ratio, liquidity, and issuer preference. For beginners, we recommend a core-satellite strategy: choose a low-cost, well-diversified ETF as your core holding, and allocate the rest to satellite positions.
Key Summary
Both AGG and GLD are excellent ETFs for their respective investment objectives. The key is to choose based on your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Rather than focusing on a single metric (dividend yield, fees, etc.), evaluate from a holistic portfolio perspective. Use our rebalancing calculator to easily determine the optimal asset allocation including both ETFs.
AGG vs GLD Investment Guide
Both AGG and GLD are popular US ETFs, but they differ in investment strategy and portfolio role. AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03%, while GLD charges 0.4%, giving AGG a cost advantage. In terms of dividend yield, AGG offers 3.12% while GLD offers 0%, making AGG the better choice for income investors.
When choosing between the two, consider your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. If long-term growth is your priority, favor the ETF with lower fees and broader diversification. If you need steady cash flow, the higher-yielding ETF may be more suitable. You can also hold both in your portfolio for a complementary approach.
Regardless of which ETF you choose, maintaining your target allocation through regular rebalancing is key to long-term performance. Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually, and adjust if weights have drifted significantly. Our rebalancing calculator can automatically determine the buy/sell quantities for each holding.
5 Things to Check When Comparing ETFs
Expense Ratio: Even a 0.1% difference in fees can translate to thousands of dollars over long-term investing. When two ETFs track a similar index, the lower-cost option has the edge.
Tracking Index & Holdings: Even ETFs in the same category may track different indices. Review the top holdings and sector weights to find the best fit for your investment goals.
Dividend Policy: Compare dividend frequency (monthly vs quarterly), yield, and dividend growth rate. Monthly dividend ETFs may be preferable if you need regular cash flow.
Trading Volume & Liquidity: Sufficient daily trading volume ensures you can buy and sell at fair prices. Low-volume ETFs may have wider bid-ask spreads, increasing your trading costs.
Portfolio Role: Determine whether the ETF serves as a core or satellite holding in your portfolio, and size your position accordingly.