IAU is an efficient way for investors to hold physical gold. The fund removes the complexities for retail investors of buying, transporting, storing and insuring physical gold. ... The underlying gold bars are held in vaults around the world, with an inventory list available on the Issuers website.

Can you redeem IAU for gold?

Baskets may be redeemed by the Trust in exchange for the amount of gold corresponding to their redemption value. Individual Shares are not redeemed by the Trust, but are listed and trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol IAU.

Is GLD or IAU better?

Between the two ETFs, IAU's 5-year return (7.08%) is higher than GLD's (6.88%). ... While IAU certainly has these items in its favor, share prices for GLD are much higher than IAU's, which in the long run actually equates to a better return on investment, especially for advanced investors.