Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)
What is the iShares Gold Trust Micro
The iShares Gold Trust Micro is structured as a grantor trust under the Securities Act of 1933. This differs from most modern ETFs, which are organized under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The fund launched in June 2021, making it one of the newer gold offerings from BlackRock. It follows the same model used by older physical gold ETFs but at a lower cost. The fund has grown to about $5.6 billion in assets under management (AUM). Its objective is to track the global benchmark LBMA Gold Price after expenses, giving investors exposure to spot gold through a simple and liquid vehicle.
How to buy the iShares Gold Trust Micro
- Step 1: Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Step 2: Search for the ETF: Enter the ticker or ETF name into the search bar to bring up the ETF's trading page.
- Step 3: Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this ETF.
- Step 4: Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Step 5: Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Step 6: Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Holdings of the iShares Gold Trust Micro
The fund holds only physical gold bullion in allocated form with a custodian. As of mid-November 2025, the trust contained 41.72 tons of gold, equal to 1,341,385.09 ounces.
The listed basket amount of 498.46 represents how many ounces of gold are exchanged when institutional participants create or redeem a basket of shares. There are no other assets in the fund, such as gold futures or gold stocks. It is strictly backed by physical bullion.
Should I invest in the iShares Gold Trust Micro
This gold ETF is ideal for investors who want the lowest possible fee. It is smaller and newer than some alternatives, but it is functionally identical to them. When two gold funds track the same metal and use the same structure, even a small fee difference can matter over long periods.
Stepping back from fees, it is important to understand why you want gold in the first place. Gold can be a hedge against inflation, geopolitical stress, and currency risk. It diversifies a portfolio because it behaves differently from stocks or bonds. At the same time, gold can be volatile and does not generate income.
If these characteristics fit your goals, choosing this fund over other physical gold ETFs or over bullion provides easier trading, lower spreads, and the simplicity of holding gold exposure in a standard account.
Does the iShares Gold Trust Micro pay a dividend?
The iShares gold ETF does not pay dividends. Gold does not produce income, so there is nothing for the fund to distribute.
What is the iShares Gold Trust Micro’s expense ratio?
The expense ratio is 0.09%, meaning the cost is $9 per year for every $10,000 invested. This fee is deducted from the trust's assets over time and reflected in the daily net asset value.
Expense Ratio
Historical performance of the iShares Gold Trust Micro
Metric | 1 Year | 3 Years |
Net Asset Value | 45.35% | 31.68% |
Market Price | 46.67% | 32.40% |
Related investing topics
The bottom line on the iShares Gold Trust Micro
This ETF combines BlackRock's brand strength with one of the lowest fees available for physical gold exposure. Its low share price makes it easy for beginners to build a position over time, and its simple structure keeps the focus on tracking the spot price of gold with minimal costs. For long-term investors who want a gold allocation and care about fees, this ETF is one of the best.
