In 2025, with markets feeling a bit shaky and prices for everything going up, gold is looking like a solid choice again. It’s like that reliable friend who shows up when things get tough. Gold ETFs make it easy to get in on the action, letting you invest in gold without actually having to store heavy bars yourself. They’re simple, easy to trade, and a good way to add a bit of stability to your investment mix. We’ve looked at a bunch of them to see which gold investment ETF might be worth your attention.
Key Takeaways
- Gold ETFs offer a straightforward way to invest in gold without the hassle of holding physical bullion.
- In 2025, gold is seen as a safe bet to protect against inflation and market ups and downs.
- When choosing a gold investment ETF, consider fees, how easily you can buy and sell it, and what kind of gold exposure it provides.
- Gold mining ETFs can offer bigger gains when gold prices rise, but they also come with more risk.
- A small allocation, typically 5-10%, to gold ETFs can help balance a diversified investment portfolio.
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL)
When looking at gold ETFs, the Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) stands out, especially if you’re thinking about where your gold comes from. This fund focuses on gold that’s mined with attention to environmental and social standards. It’s not just about owning gold; it’s about owning gold that meets certain ethical criteria.
FGDL aims to provide investors with exposure to physical gold while also promoting responsible mining practices. This dual focus is a key differentiator in the market. The fund invests in gold that is sourced from refiners accredited by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Responsible Sourcing Programme. This means the gold has gone through a process to verify its origin and ensure it wasn’t mined in ways that cause harm.
Here’s a quick look at what makes FGDL noteworthy:
- Responsible Sourcing: The primary draw is its commitment to ethical gold. This appeals to investors who want their investments to align with their values.
- Physical Gold Backing: Like many other gold ETFs, FGDL holds physical gold bullion. This provides direct exposure to the price movements of the precious metal.
- Performance: In recent reviews, FGDL has shown strong performance, with approximate returns around 44% for 2025. This performance, combined with its responsible sourcing angle, makes it an attractive option.
- Expense Ratio: The fund has an expense ratio of 0.15%, which is quite competitive, especially considering its specialized focus.
The idea behind responsible sourcing in gold is to ensure that the metal is extracted without contributing to conflict, human rights abuses, or severe environmental damage. It’s a growing trend that reflects a broader shift in how investors think about their money and its impact on the world.
For investors who prioritize ethical considerations alongside their investment strategy, FGDL offers a clear path to gain exposure to gold. It’s a way to invest in a traditional safe-haven asset while supporting a more sustainable and ethical mining industry.
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM)
The iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAU) is a popular choice for investors looking for a straightforward way to get exposure to the price of gold. It’s designed to track the performance of gold bullion, meaning its value moves pretty much in line with the spot price of the yellow metal. This ETF holds physical gold, so you’re essentially buying a small piece of a gold bar when you invest in it.
One of the main draws of IAU is its low expense ratio. At just 0.25%, it’s one of the more cost-effective ways to invest in gold through an ETF. This means more of your investment money stays working for you, rather than going towards fees. It also has a pretty substantial amount of assets under management, which usually means it’s quite liquid and easy to trade.
Here’s a quick look at some key details:
- Expense Ratio: 0.25%
- Assets Under Management (AUM): Approximately $33 billion
- Investment Focus: Physical gold bullion
When market uncertainty starts to creep in, gold often becomes a go-to asset for investors. It’s seen as a safe haven, a place to park money when other investments seem too risky. IAU offers a simple way to add this kind of protection to your portfolio without the hassle of actually storing physical gold yourself.
Investing in gold through an ETF like IAU can be a good way to diversify your holdings. It doesn’t always move in the same direction as stocks or bonds, which can help smooth out your overall portfolio’s performance, especially during bumpy economic times.
Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU)
The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF, often recognized by its ticker AAAU, offers investors a straightforward way to gain exposure to the price movements of gold. This ETF is designed to track the performance of gold bullion, aiming to mirror the value of the metal itself. It achieves this by holding physical gold in secure vaults, making it a direct play on the commodity’s price.
One of the key advantages of AAAU is its focus on holding actual gold, providing a tangible link to the precious metal’s value. Unlike ETFs that invest in gold mining companies, AAAU’s performance is directly tied to the spot price of gold, abstracting away the operational risks associated with mining businesses. This can be particularly appealing for investors who want to hedge against inflation or currency devaluation without the added complexity of equity-based investments.
When considering an ETF like AAAU, it’s helpful to look at a few key metrics:
- Expense Ratio: This is the annual fee charged by the fund to cover its operating costs. Lower expense ratios mean more of your investment returns stay with you.
- Assets Under Management (AUM): A larger AUM generally indicates a more established and liquid ETF, making it easier to buy and sell shares without significantly impacting the price.
- Tracking Error: This measures how closely the ETF’s performance matches the price of gold. A lower tracking error suggests the ETF is doing a better job of replicating the underlying commodity’s movements.
For investors seeking a simple, direct investment in gold, AAAU presents a compelling option. It removes the logistical hurdles of storing physical gold and offers the convenience of trading on an exchange, much like a stock. This makes it an accessible tool for diversifying a portfolio and seeking a store of value during uncertain economic times.
GraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR)
GraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR) is an ETF designed to track the price of gold. It aims to provide investors with a straightforward way to gain exposure to the precious metal without the complexities of futures contracts or the need to store physical gold themselves. This ETF holds physical gold bullion in secure vaults, making it a direct play on the spot price of gold.
BAR has distinguished itself by offering one of the lowest expense ratios among physically-backed gold ETFs, making it a cost-effective option for investors. This focus on low costs can be particularly appealing for those looking to hold gold for the long term, as it minimizes the drag on returns.
Here’s a quick look at some key features:
- Asset Type: Physically-backed gold ETF.
- Objective: Track the daily price movements of gold.
- Custody: Gold is held in secure vaults, typically by a custodian.
- Expense Ratio: Known for being competitive, often among the lowest in its category.
When considering BAR, it’s helpful to understand how it fits into a broader investment strategy. As a physically-backed ETF, it offers a different kind of exposure compared to gold mining stocks. While miners can offer leveraged upside when gold prices rise, they also come with company-specific risks and operational challenges. BAR, on the other hand, aims to mirror the performance of gold itself, acting as a more direct hedge against inflation or market uncertainty.
The fund’s structure is built for simplicity and efficiency. By holding actual gold, it aims to provide a clear and direct correlation to the metal’s price, appealing to investors who prioritize straightforward exposure and cost management in their precious metals allocation.
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
When you think about gold ETFs, SPDR Gold Shares, often known by its ticker GLD, is probably the first one that comes to mind for many investors. It’s been around for a while and is a really big player in the market. Basically, GLD holds actual gold bullion, so its price tends to track the price of gold pretty closely. This makes it a straightforward way to get exposure to gold without actually having to buy and store the physical metal yourself.
Think of it like this: if gold prices go up, GLD’s value generally goes up too, and vice versa. It’s a popular choice for people who want to add gold to their portfolio, especially when they’re feeling a bit uncertain about the economy or the stock market. It’s seen as a way to protect your money, kind of like a safety net.
Here’s a quick look at some of its characteristics:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): Around $84 billion. This is a huge amount, showing how many people invest in it.
- Expense Ratio: 0.40%. This is the annual fee you pay to own the ETF.
- Liquidity: GLD is known for being very liquid, meaning it’s easy to buy and sell shares without significantly affecting the price.
GLD’s large size and the fact that it holds physical gold make it a go-to option for many looking for a simple way to invest in gold’s price movements. Its popularity means it’s easy to trade, which is a big plus for investors.
While GLD offers direct exposure to gold prices, it’s worth remembering that it doesn’t pay dividends. Its performance is tied directly to the fluctuations in the price of gold itself. For those seeking a stable, well-established way to invest in gold, GLD remains a significant consideration in the ETF landscape.
iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
When you’re looking for a straightforward way to get exposure to gold prices, the iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is a solid choice. It’s designed to track the price of gold bullion, meaning it holds physical gold. This makes it a pretty direct way to invest in the precious metal without actually having to buy and store it yourself.
Think of it like this: if the price of gold goes up, the value of IAU generally goes up too, and vice versa. It’s a popular option for investors who want to add gold to their portfolio, often as a way to hedge against inflation or market uncertainty. It’s known for being a cost-effective option compared to some other gold ETFs out there.
Here’s a quick look at some of its key features:
- Expense Ratio: IAU typically has a low expense ratio, making it an economical choice for long-term holding.
- Assets Under Management (AUM): It’s a large ETF, meaning it has a significant amount of money invested in it, which usually translates to good liquidity.
- Physical Gold Backing: The fund holds actual gold bullion, providing direct price exposure.
For many investors, IAU represents a reliable and accessible method to gain exposure to gold’s performance, especially during times when the broader market feels a bit shaky. Its simplicity and low costs are big draws.
While it directly tracks the price of gold, it’s important to remember that gold prices themselves can be influenced by many factors, including global economic conditions, interest rates, and currency movements. So, while IAU offers a simple way to invest in gold, the underlying commodity still has its own set of market dynamics.
VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)
When you’re looking at the gold mining sector, the VanEck Gold Miners ETF, often called GDX, is a big name. It’s one of the largest and most well-known ETFs for this type of investment, holding a lot of assets under management. This means it’s generally easy to buy and sell shares of GDX without causing big price swings.
GDX focuses on bigger, more established gold mining companies. Think of them as the major players in the industry. This approach can offer a more stable way to get exposure to gold prices compared to betting on smaller, riskier exploration companies. In 2025, GDX has seen some impressive gains, nearly doubling its value. This performance shows that even the larger companies in the sector have had a strong year.
Here’s a quick look at some of its key figures as of September 8, 2025:
- Price: $67.10
- Year-to-Date Return: 98.76%
- Expense Ratio: 0.51%
- Annual Dividend Yield: 0.61%
- Assets Under Management (AUM): $19.84 billion
It’s interesting to note that despite its strong price performance, GDX experienced significant outflows over the past year. This means more money left the fund than came in for a while. However, the price kept going up, which suggests that underlying demand for the ETF’s holdings remained robust. By mid-2025, inflows started to pick up again, indicating renewed investor interest.
Investing in mining stocks can offer a different kind of exposure to gold than holding the physical metal. Mining companies have their own business operations, which means they can report earnings and potentially pay dividends. This can add another layer to potential returns beyond just the price of gold itself.
GDX provides a way to get broad exposure to the gold mining industry. Its focus on larger companies might appeal to investors who want to participate in gold’s upward movements but prefer a less volatile approach than investing in junior miners. The ETF’s size and trading volume also make it a convenient option for many investors.
Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX)
If you’re looking for a way to potentially capture the biggest moves in the gold market, the Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX) might be worth a look. This ETF focuses on companies that are in the early stages of gold exploration. Think of them as the prospectors of the modern age. When gold prices start to climb, these smaller, more speculative companies often see their stock prices jump much faster than larger, more established mining operations. It’s a bit like betting on the potential rather than the proven.
GOEX aims to provide leveraged exposure to gold price movements by investing in these junior exploration companies. While this can lead to impressive gains when gold is on the rise, it’s important to remember that these companies also carry higher risks. They might not have a long track record, and their success often depends on finding new gold deposits.
Here’s a quick look at some of the details for GOEX as of September 8, 2025:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | $60.14 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% |
| Annual Dividend Yield | 1.23% |
| YTD Return | 106.03% |
| AUM | $81.93M |
This ETF has shown some strong performance this year, with a Year-to-Date return of over 100%. This kind of performance suggests that investors are finding value in these early-stage gold plays. The fund’s assets under management (AUM) are around $81.93 million, which is on the smaller side compared to some other gold ETFs, but it’s growing. The expense ratio of 0.65% is a bit higher than some broader market ETFs, but it reflects the specialized nature of investing in exploration companies.
Investing in gold explorers means you’re betting on discovery. These companies spend money looking for new gold veins, and if they find them, their value can skyrocket. However, if they don’t find much, or if the cost of extraction is too high, their stock price can fall just as quickly. It’s a high-risk, potentially high-reward segment of the market.
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ)
When you’re looking for a gold mining ETF that could offer both growth potential and a decent income stream, the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is definitely worth a look. This fund has seen some serious gains this year, nearly doubling from its 52-week low. What really makes SGDJ stand out, though, is its annual dividend yield, which is among the highest you’ll find in this corner of the market. Combine that with a reasonable expense ratio, and you’re getting access to smaller gold mining companies that are showing strong revenue growth and positive price trends.
The fund flows also paint an interesting picture. After some early outflows late last year, interest in SGDJ has picked up significantly this year, with steady inflows and several notable surges. This consistent accumulation, alongside rising prices, suggests that investors are increasingly confident in how junior miners tend to perform when gold prices are on the rise.
Here’s a quick look at some key figures for SGDJ:
- Price (as of Sep. 8, 2025): $62.14
- YTD Return (as of Sep. 8, 2025): 88.59%
- Annual Dividend Yield (as of Sep. 8, 2025): 3.56%
- Expense Ratio: 0.50%
For investors who want more than just the price movement of gold, ETFs like SGDJ offer a way to potentially benefit from dividends and the operational success of mining companies. It’s a different approach compared to holding physical gold.
If you’re seeking exposure to gold with a higher beta, meaning it could move more dramatically with gold prices, and you also want the added benefit of a solid dividend, SGDJ presents a compelling case in 2025.
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN)
The WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund (GDMN) takes a dual approach to gold exposure, aiming to capture both the price movements of the metal itself and the performance of companies involved in gold mining. This strategy is designed to offer investors a more dynamic way to participate in the gold market, potentially benefiting from rising gold prices and the operational success of mining firms.
GDMN’s structure allows it to invest in a combination of physical gold and gold mining equities. This blended strategy can be particularly appealing during periods of market uncertainty, as it provides a diversified exposure to the precious metals sector. The fund seeks to be efficient by managing its holdings to potentially reduce volatility and capture opportunities across different facets of the gold market.
This ETF offers a unique combination of direct gold exposure and indirect exposure through mining companies, aiming for a more comprehensive participation in the gold market’s movements.
Here’s a look at some of its key characteristics:
- Dual Exposure: Invests in both physical gold and gold mining stocks.
- Efficiency Focus: Aims to optimize returns and manage risk through its strategy.
- Sector Participation: Provides access to the broader gold and mining industry.
While specific performance figures and expense ratios can fluctuate, GDMN’s strategy positions it as an interesting option for those looking to diversify their portfolios with a multifaceted gold investment. It’s a fund that tries to get the best of both worlds – the stability of gold bullion and the growth potential of mining operations.
The fund’s methodology seeks to provide a more integrated approach to gold investing, moving beyond single-asset strategies to capture a wider spectrum of opportunities within the precious metals ecosystem. This can be a thoughtful addition for investors who believe in gold’s long-term value but also want to benefit from the operational leverage offered by mining companies.
Wrapping Up Your Gold ETF Strategy for 2025
As we’ve seen throughout this look at gold ETFs, this precious metal continues to be a go-to for investors when the economic outlook feels uncertain. Whether you’re looking at funds that track the price of gold directly or those that invest in mining companies, there are options for different needs. Remember to consider the costs, like expense ratios, and how easily you can buy and sell shares. By picking the right gold ETF, you can add a layer of stability to your portfolio in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still a smart move to invest in gold ETFs in 2025?
Absolutely! With gold prices soaring past $4,200 an ounce and the stock market looking a bit shaky, gold ETFs are a fantastic way to protect your money from rising prices, sudden market swings, and a weakening dollar.
What’s the main difference between a gold ETF and a gold mining ETF?
Think of it this way: a regular gold ETF is like owning a tiny piece of actual gold. A gold mining ETF, on the other hand, is like owning a piece of companies that dig gold out of the ground. Mining ETFs can make you more money when gold prices go up, but they can also be riskier.
How much of my investment money should I put into gold ETFs?
Most money experts suggest putting about 5% to 10% of your total investments into gold ETFs. It’s a good way to balance your investments, keeping some safe while aiming for growth.
Are gold ETFs safe to invest in?
Yes, gold ETFs are generally safe. They are managed by financial companies and are backed by real gold or other investments. Plus, they’re easy to buy and sell, and you don’t have to worry about storing heavy gold bars yourself.
Why are gold prices going up so much in 2025?
Several things are making gold more valuable right now. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world, making gold a safe place to put your money. Also, big banks and countries are buying more gold, and the U.S. dollar isn’t as strong as it used to be, which makes gold more attractive.
Besides ETFs, are there other ways to invest in gold?
Yes, you can buy physical gold like coins or bars, but that can be tricky to store and sell. You can also invest in companies that mine gold. Some new digital ways to invest in gold are also popping up, making it easier for more people to get involved.
Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.
