5 Best Gold ETFs to Buy for Q2 2025

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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

This article delves into the investment proposition that is gold exchange-traded funds, also known as ETFs.

This page explains everything you need to know and uncovers your best options, providing a breakdown for each ETF.

What are the top gold ETFs to buy?

Simply consult the table below for our top 5 performing gold ETFs. Given the long-standing popularity of gold as an investable commodity, there are many ETFs of this type.

Our team of experienced analysts have been hard at work choosing the best ones, and you can find out about their latest price information by clicking a relevant link in the table. Otherwise, scroll down to learn more about each one.

1. SPDR Gold Trust (NYSEARCA: GLD)

• Current price: $215.73
• AUM: $61.83 billion
• Annual expense ratio: 0.40%
• YTD performance: 13.11%
• Annual dividend yield: N/A

SPDR Gold Shares is the largest gold-backed ETF globally, with over $60 billion in assets under management. The gold ETF holds physical gold bullion in secure vaults to closely track the gold spot price.

The ETF offers a low-cost, convenient way to gain exposure to the gold market without holding gold directly, charging a 0.40% expense ratio. GLD has historically performed in line with gold prices, giving investors an effective way to diversify and hedge during stock market volatility.

Thanks to its massive size, liquidity, and direct physical backing, GLD is arguably one of the best gold ETF choices for most investors seeking exposure to the yellow metal.

2. iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA: IAU)

• Current price: $44.08
• AUM: $28.43 billion
• Annual expense ratio: 0.25%
• YTD performance: 13.20%
• Annual dividend yield: N/A

The second spot on our list goes to the iShares Gold Trust, which offers investors exposure to the price of gold bullion on a cost-effective basis. IAU is one of the top gold exchange-traded funds backed by physical gold bullion stored in secure vaults, allowing shareholders to track gold prices through a convenient fund structure.

IAU provides excellent liquidity as the second-largest physical gold ETF with $28.4 billion in assets under management. Its 0.25% expense ratio makes it competitively priced versus other physically-backed gold ETFs. IAU shares have closely followed the price of gold over the fund’s 19-year history, providing an accessible way to invest in the precious metal.

IAU can help diversify and reduce volatility, especially during times of market uncertainty or rising inflation. With its substantial size, direct physical backing, liquidity, and low fees, IAU stands out as one of the top gold ETF options for investors seeking commodities exposure or an inflation hedge without needing to buy physical gold.

3. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: GDX)

• Current price: $33.41
• AUM: $12.91 billion
• Annual expense ratio: 0.50%
• YTD performance: 9.33%
• Annual dividend yield: 1.50%

The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) stands out as the first and largest ETF focusing on gold mining stocks, offering investors a unique avenue to capitalize on the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR). This ETF provides exposure to major global gold mining companies, including Newmont Corporation, Barrick Gold, and Agnico Eagle Mines, among others.

Despite challenges in the sector, such as rising all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce, GDX has demonstrated resilience. The recent rally in gold prices further underscores GDX’s potential as a leveraged play on the precious metal, offering investors a path to potentially higher returns compared to holding physical gold alone.

Investors considering GDX should weigh its benefits against the inherent risks of gold mining stocks, including exposure to operational challenges and market volatility.

While GDX has historically underperformed direct gold investments during certain periods, its high beta exposure to gold prices and diversified portfolio of industry leaders position it well for potential margin improvements in 2024.

4. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (BATS: AAAU)

• Current price: $33.41
• AUM: $716.19 million
• Annual expense ratio: 0.18%
• YTD performance: 13.17%
• Annual dividend yield: N/A

Acquired by major investment bank Goldman Sachs on December 4th 2020, and formerly known as Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF, the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF aims to provide investors with exposure to gold without the inconvenience of physical gold ownership or fund expenses.

The sole asset that is owned by AAAU is gold bullion, which is stored in vaults in London, UK. The fund has performed well in recent years, and a key feature that differentiates it from other ETFs is that investors may, at any time, choose to trade their shares in for physical gold of a guaranteed purity.

5. iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (NASDAQ: RING)

• Current price: $26.62.41
• AUM: $465.79 million
• Annual expense ratio: 0.39%
• YTD performance: 7.98%
• Annual dividend yield: 2.12

Investors seeking direct exposure to the operational dynamics of global gold mining companies should consider the iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF. This ETF tracks the MSCI ACWI Select Gold Miners Investable Market Index, providing targeted access to firms primarily engaged in gold extraction.

RING’s portfolio of 36 holdings includes industry leaders such as Newmont and Barrick Gold, ensuring diversified exposure across key mining regions worldwide. With a competitive expense ratio of 0.39% and a dividend yield of 1.41%, RING offers cost-effective exposure to a sector known for its role as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

This ETF’s performance metrics, including a year-to-date return of 7.98%, underscore its potential to deliver returns aligned with the broader trends in the gold market. For those seeking to diversify their portfolios with commodities exposure while benefiting from global economic developments, RING stands out as a compelling investment vehicle in the gold mining ETF space.

Where to buy the best gold ETFs

You need an account with an online broker to buy gold ETFs. Since gold ETFs trade just like regular stocks on stock exchanges, you can buy and sell them whenever you like through most brokers. All of the options below have low fees and high-quality user interfaces, so you shouldn’t be found wanting.

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Fees 1%

No. assets 3600+

Demo account Yes

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Plus500

Min. Deposit $100

Fees From 2%

No. assets 2800+

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This information is NOT relevant to EU residents who are to be serviced by EU subsidiaries of the Plus500 Group, such as Plus500CY Ltd, authorized by CySEC (Reg. 250/14). Different regulatory requirements apply in Europe, such as leverage limitations and bonus restrictions.

Best gold ETFs

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What is a gold ETF?

It is a fund that trades on the stock market and only owns stocks in companies related to the gold sector and/or gold reserves. These stocks can include gold mining companies in the form of explorers, developers and producers, in addition to royalty and streaming companies. Each ETF has its own ticker symbol, and you can find the tickers of our top 5 ETFs in the table at the top of this page.

Since ETFs are usually individual baskets of different stocks, they allow investors to gain exposure to an entire industry rather than putting all of their eggs into one basket with a single stock. Moreover, they offer added convenience since investors do not need to purchase physical gold in the form of bars, bullion and coins; instead, everything is done online.

Are gold ETFs a good investment?

If you believe the gold sector is going to perform well and the price of gold is going to rise, investing in an ETF is generally more diversified and less risky than a single stock. So, for long-term investors with a keen appreciation of the gold macro story, ETFs can offer great value that is devoid of single stock risk.

The gold sector has always been viewed as a useful investment category to hedge against inflation. Rather than leaving your money in a bank account to be diluted by potentially inflationary economic factors like quantitive easing, your capital remains in a safe haven that isn’t directly affected by broader economic activity.

As with any other investment, you need to employ time, research and planning before choosing a gold ETF. The links below can direct you to the latest information about where we are in the current gold cycle and the key factors related to the financial markets that you need to take into account.

Methodology: How we choose the best gold ETFs

At Invezz, we are dedicated to helping investors make informed decisions by providing authoritative, accessible, and engaging advice and recommendations. Our curated section of the best Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is carefully selected by our team of experienced market analysts and reviewed by a sub-editor. This methodology outlines the rigorous process we follow to ensure our ETF recommendations are up-to-date, reliable, and insightful.

• Analyst research & recommendations: Our seasoned market analysts use their in-depth sector knowledge to identify ETFs with strong potential, ensuring they meet high standards of performance, liquidity, and market potential.
• ETF evaluation: We evaluate ETFs based on their underlying assets, historical performance, expense ratios, and tracking accuracy, alongside macroeconomic factors and sector trends.
• Fund performance reports: We assess ETFs through the latest performance reports, analyzing key metrics like returns, volatility, expense ratios, and assets under management (AUM).
• Sector analysis and external recommendations: Our detailed sector analysis, combined with recommendations from reputable sources like Barron’s and Zacks, provides an additional layer of validation for our selections.
• Quarterly review & refresh: We update our curated ETF list quarterly, re-evaluating each ETF based on the latest reports, industry developments, and market conditions to ensure our recommendations reflect the most current information available.