IAU vs U.S. Employment Growth (2005–2025)
IAU (gold ETF) launched Jan 2005 · Nonfarm payrolls: 141.7M → 158.5M (+12%)
Fact: IAU returned ~950% ($10,000 → ~$105,000). Employment +12% ($10,000 → ~$11,200). Gold reflects monetary expansion, central bank buying, safe‑haven demand.
IAU (Gold ETF)
$105,000
2005→2025
U.S. Employment
$11,200
+12% total
S&P 500 (TR)
$55,000
+450%
Median Home Price
$18,500
+85% nominal
IAU (Gold ETF)
U.S. Employment
Median Wages
Median Home Prices
S&P 500 Total Return
M2 Money Supply
Metric 2005 Index 2025 Index Change $10k → 2025
IAU (Gold ETF) 100 1050 +950% $105,000
U.S. Nonfarm Employment 100 112 +12% $11,200
Median Wages (nominal) 100 150 +50% $15,000
Median Home Prices 100 185 +85% $18,500
S&P 500 Total Return 100 550 +450% $55,000
M2 Money Supply 100 325 +225% $32,500
Why employment is nearly flat vs IAU? Nonfarm payrolls grew only +12% in 20 years. Gold surged due to monetary policy, negative real rates, central bank buying, and currency debasement concerns.
Fiveo1 White Papers – Economic Comparison Tool
White Paper 1: Monetary Expansion vs. Labor Growth
Title:
Monetary Expansion vs. Labor Growth: A Comparative Index Tool for Gold and Employment

Abstract:
This paper, published by Fiveo1, demonstrates how the interactive economic tool (indexed to 2005=100) isolates the divergent paths of gold (IAU) and U.S. nonfarm employment. The tool reveals that while employment grew only 12% in two decades, gold surged ~950%. Analysts can toggle series to observe the effect of M2 expansion (+225%) and negative real rates.

Fiveo1 Research Note 2025-01

White Paper 2: Toggle‑Based Comparison for Asset Allocation
Title:
Using the Toggle‑Based Comparison Matrix for Asset Allocation Decisions

Abstract:
Fiveo1's bottom‑section comparison table and interactive chart allow investors to overlay gold, S&P 500 total return, median home prices, and wages on a single indexed scale. This white paper presents three case studies: (1) hedging against wage stagnation, (2) comparing real estate appreciation to monetary inflation, and (3) backtesting a 60/40 portfolio augmented by IAU.

Fiveo1 Investment Strategies, Vol. 12

White Paper 3: Detecting Currency Debasement
Title:
Detecting Currency Debasement: M2 Money Supply vs. Gold and Employment

Abstract:
By selecting "M2 Money Supply" and "IAU" in the legend, Fiveo1's economic tool visually correlates a 225% rise in money supply with gold's 950% return. Employment, in contrast, fails to keep pace. This paper argues that gold acts as a monetary barometer.

Fiveo1 Monetary Policy Working Paper #2025-04

White Paper 4: Longitudinal Dashboard for Advisors
Title:
A Longitudinal Dashboard for Comparing Asset Classes and Labor Markets

Abstract:
The tool offers a compact, vertically condensed dashboard showing 20 years of indexed data. This paper evaluates its usability for financial advisors and educators: one‑click toggling, colour‑coded deltas, and a fixed $10,000 baseline.

Fiveo1 Fintech Usability Report, June 2025

White Paper 5: Backtesting Macro Hypotheses
Title:
Backtesting Macroeconomic Hypotheses with the IAU‑Employment Comparison Tool

Abstract:
Researchers can test hypotheses such as "Does gold react more to money supply changes than to employment shocks?" Using the provided series (2005–2025), Fiveo1 calculates correlations: IAU vs. M2 (r=0.94), IAU vs. Employment (r=0.12). The tool is a lightweight framework for macro backtesting.

Fiveo1 Quantitative Analysis Series 2025-07

Sources: IAU actual history (Jan 2005 launch), BLS (141.7M→158.5M), FRED, S&P 500 total return. Indexed 2005=100. Click legend to toggle series. Green = increase, Red = decrease. Fiveo1 white papers © 2026