Best gold ETF to buy now

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Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that provide exposure to the gold market. Investors can gain exposure to the gold market by investing in gold ETFs without buying and storing physical gold. This blog post will discuss the best gold ETFs to consider buying in 2024.

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What is A Gold ETF?

ETFs are funds that are made up of assets like stocks. You can purchase ETFs on the stock market just like you would purchase any other stock. Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that track the gold price.

Gold-based ETFs

Gold-based ETFs

The aim of this ETF is to give investors a way to gain exposure to the gold price without having to take delivery of the metal because it trades like a stock and not as a physical commodity.

Gold ETFs can be traded on the stock exchange. There are also many brokers that offer stock trading facilities, including Gold ETFs. Some ETFs include shares of gold mining companies.

👍 Pros:

ETFs trade like stocks and have low fees

Gold ETFs provide liquidity to investors

Easy diversification

The ability to hedge risks

Low-cost, tax-efficient, and transparent

👎 Cons:

Gold ETFs do not promise delivery of physical gold

The price of a gold ETF can vary greatly from the actual gold price

Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Gold ETF Now?

Investing in a gold ETF can be a smart way to benefit from the precious metal’s potential growth, especially if you want to diversify your portfolio. But is it the right time to invest in a gold ETF? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of investing in gold ETFs now.

Pros

1. Low Volatility

One of the primary advantages of investing in gold ETFs is their low volatility, meaning their prices don’t fluctuate as much as stocks or other assets. This advantage makes them a less risky option for investors.

2. Diversification

Gold ETFs allow investors to diversify their portfolios. As gold ETFs are not directly linked to the stock market, investors can protect themselves against sudden market downturns by holding a portion of their portfolio in gold ETFs.

3. Affordable

Another great thing about gold ETFs is that they are affordable. Many ETFs are priced at around $50 per share, making them an attractive option for investors on a budget.

4. Tax Benefits

Investing in a gold ETF also provides some tax benefits. As gold is considered a commodity, investors can claim certain deductions when filing their taxes.

5. Transparency

Another advantage of gold ETFs is their transparency. Investors can easily track their investments through online platforms and stay up-to-date on their performance and valuation.

Cons

1. Unpredictability

While gold ETFs have traditionally been a safe investment, they can still be unpredictable. Since market conditions determine the price of gold, it can be challenging to predict its movements in the short term.

2. Limited Returns

Gold ETFs may also provide limited returns compared to other investments, such as stocks or bonds. Although gold has historically seen impressive gains, these returns may only sometimes be consistent.

3. Low Liquidity

Gold ETFs may also suffer from low liquidity. This means that investors may take longer to buy or sell shares due to a lack of buyers or sellers.

Top 7 Gold ETFs To Invest In

With so many gold ETFs on the market, choosing the best for you can be challenging. Fortunately, Wall Street analysts and other experts have worked for you and identified the top 7 gold ETFs to invest in.

When choosing a gold ETF, cost should be the first consideration. Many of these funds charge hefty fees, so it's important to compare the expense ratios of each fund to ensure you're getting the best value.

7 of the best gold ETFs are:

The SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

The iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

The GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR)

The Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 3X Shares (NUGT)

The Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

The Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP)

1. The SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The SPDR Gold Shares are also one of the most liquid gold ETFs on the market. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange and has an average daily trading volume of more than five million shares. This makes it easier for investors to buy or sell shares. Additionally, the fund has an expense ratio of 0.40%, lower than other gold ETFs.

This fund offers low expenses, making it a good choice for those looking to save on costs. GLD also offers exposure to gold bullion with minimal tracking error, which is important when investing in gold ETFs.

2. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

When it comes to gold ETFs, the VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is one of the best gold ETFs to buy now. GDX tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, which consists of small- and mid-cap companies involved in gold exploration, development, or production. It gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies engaged in gold mining, giving them a better chance at earning higher returns than traditional investments.

This fund exposes investors to small- and mid-cap gold mining stocks and has an expense ratio of 0.54%. GDXJ is less liquid than other funds but has enough volume to make trading relatively easy.

3. The iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

This ETF invests in gold bullion and holds it in trust for investors. The IAU is backed by physical gold in storage; each share of IAU represents one-tenth of an ounce of gold. Making it easy to purchase fractional shares can benefit investors who don’t have a lot of money to invest in gold. IAU is one of the cheapest gold ETFs, with an expense ratio of 0.25%.

9 Best ETFs to Buy Now

4. The GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR)

BAR is a passive fund, meaning it does not seek to outperform the price of gold. Instead, it aims to provide investors with a low-cost and efficient way of tracking the performance of gold. This makes BAR a great option for those seeking a low-risk approach to investing in gold and those seeking to diversify their portfolios with a reliable asset class.

BAR also focuses on liquidity, meaning entering and exiting the fund easily without incurring hefty fees or unnecessary delays. In terms of holdings, the fund only owns gold bullion bars stored at the London Bullion Market Association vault in London. Therefore, investors can rest assured knowing that their investment is secure.

5. The Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 3X Shares (NUGT)

This fund is a leveraged ETF that allows investors to gain triple exposure to gold miners. With its high expense ratio of 1.11%, NUGT isn't a fund for everyone, but its high leverage makes it appealing to some investors.

6. The Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

This fund offers investors a convenient way to gain exposure to gold prices without purchasing and storing physical bullion. SGOL tracks the price of gold bullion spot, meaning that you purchase the same amount of gold as when buying physical gold. It also has a low expense ratio of 0.17%, meaning your fees are kept to a minimum.

7. The Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP)

The fund has low annual fees and expenses, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to gain exposure to the precious metals market. Furthermore, the fund is regularly monitored by the fund manager to ensure that it remains a top gold ETF to buy.

The fund also follows a unique indexing strategy that allows it to track the underlying performance of all four precious metals without taking on additional risk.

When To Buy A Gold ETF For The Long Term?

Investing in gold ETFs is a great way to diversify your portfolio and protect yourself against market volatility. But when should you buy a gold ETF for the long term? Here are four strategies to help you determine the best gold ETF to buy now.

1. Analyze the Market

Before you invest in any gold ETF, it’s important to research and analyze the current market conditions. Pay attention to key indicators like inflation, economic growth, and geopolitical risks. This process will indicate how gold prices will likely move and help you identify the best gold ETFs to buy now.

2. Look at Historical Trends

If you want to make smart investments, looking at historical trends can be a great way to understand better how a particular gold ETF has performed. Keep an eye out for long-term trends or patterns that could point to potential investments.

3. Consider Your Risk Tolerance

Gold ETFs come with varying levels of risk, so you’ll need to consider your risk tolerance before investing. Research the gold ETFs available and choose one suited to your financial goals and risk level.

4. Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversifying your portfolio is essential to any investment. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; instead, spread your investments across several top gold ETFs to ensure that you are adequately protected from market volatility.

By following these four strategies, you can make informed decisions about the best gold ETF to invest in now for the long term.

How to Buy Gold: A Step-By-Step Guide

How To Buy A Gold ETF?

Gold ETFs offer advantages over physical gold, such as low costs and easy trading. Buying a gold ETF can be smart for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and get exposure to gold. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to buy a gold ETF:

1. Decide what gold ETF you want to buy:

The best gold ETFs to buy now will depend on your investment objectives and risk appetite. Research other gold ETFs and decide which one is the best fit for you.

2. Choose an online broker:

Before buying a gold ETF, you’ll need to open an account with an online broker that offers gold ETFs. Compare the fees, trading platform, customer support, and other features of various brokers before making your choice.

3. Place your order:

Once you’ve chosen an online broker, you can order the gold ETF you want to buy. Check the fees and commissions associated with the ETF before placing your order.

4. Monitor your investment:

Once you’ve purchased a gold ETF, it’s important to keep track of it and monitor its performance over time. This strategy will help you decide when to buy or sell your ETF.

Best Brokers To Buy Gold ETF

RoboForex

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Your capital is at risk.

RoboForex is a brokerage company that was founded in 2009. It provides services to financial markets in 169 countries. More than 3.5 million users are RoboForex clients. RoboForex is the leading software developer in the Forex industry.

RoboForex is recognized as a reliable partner by the most respected financial market experts. The company has won numerous prestigious awards. The RoboForex group of companies has an international license to provide services from FSC Belize, and a European license from CySEC (license No. is 191/13 Robomarkets Ltd).

Admiral Markets UK

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Your capital is at risk.

The Admiral Markets broker company commenced operations in 2001. The broker’s activities are registered and licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Admiral Markets now operates in more than 40 countries with a cash cycle of up to USD 40 billion. The broker holds a lifetime license issued by the Federal Financial Markets Service. It is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Access to the FX+Project as one of their specific features. In 2002 Admiral Markets was awarded the “Forex 2012” (“Best of the Best”) by The New Europe Magazine.

Summary

Investing in gold ETFs is a great way to secure your financial future and get the most out of your money. The best gold ETFs can help diversify your portfolio and protect your investments.

With these top gold ETFs to buy, you can confidently invest in gold with a reliable product that holds up to market volatility. These gold ETFs are worth considering whether you’re looking for short-term capital gains or long-term returns.

With the right knowledge and guidance, you can decide which gold ETF is best for you. You'll be on the path to success when you know when to buy a gold ETF and how to buy it.

FAQs

Which ETF has the most gold?

The best gold ETFs are:

  • The SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

  • The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

  • The iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

  • The GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR)

  • The Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 3X Shares (NUGT)

  • The Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

  • The Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP)

What are the top 5 ETFs to buy?

The TU experts believe that the best ETFs to buy now are:

  • Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF

  • SoFi Select 500 ETF

  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF

  • iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

  • Vanguard Mega Cap ETF

What is the best gold ETFs to buy in 2024?

Investors looking for exposure to gold through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) should consider investing in iShares Gold Trust (IAU), SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), and ETFS Physical Swiss Gold Shares (SGOL).

How does a gold ETF work?

A gold ETF is an investment vehicle that tracks the price of gold, meaning its share price rises and falls in line with the market price of gold. These ETFs are easy to buy and sell, just like stocks, providing an easy way to access the precious metal without actually buying or storing physical gold.

What are some of the advantages of investing in a gold ETF?

Investing in a gold ETF offers advantages over owning physical gold, such as ease of storage, convenience, liquidity, and lower costs.

Moreover, these funds can also be bought and sold during normal stock trading hours, unlike physical bullion, which you must buy outside regular trading hours.

Are there any risks associated with investing in a gold ETF?

Yes, some risks involve investing in a gold ETF, such as counterparty risk from derivatives used by some ETFs, credit risk from securities held by some fund companies, and higher expense ratios than owning physical bullion.

Glossary for novice traders

  • 1 Broker

    A broker is a legal entity or individual that performs as an intermediary when making trades in the financial markets. Private investors cannot trade without a broker, since only brokers can execute trades on the exchanges.

  • 2 Investor

    An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

  • 3 Index

    Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

  • 4 Trading

    Trading involves the act of buying and selling financial assets like stocks, currencies, or commodities with the intention of profiting from market price fluctuations. Traders employ various strategies, analysis techniques, and risk management practices to make informed decisions and optimize their chances of success in the financial markets.

  • 5 Volatility

    Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Team that worked on the article

Oleg Tkachenko
Author and expert at Traders Union

Oleg Tkachenko is an economic analyst and risk manager having more than 14 years of experience in working with systemically important banks, investment companies, and analytical platforms. He has been a Traders Union analyst since 2018. His primary specialties are analysis and prediction of price tendencies in the Forex, stock, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets, as well as the development of trading strategies and individual risk management systems. He also analyzes nonstandard investing markets and studies trading psychology.

Olga Shendetskaya
Author and editor at Traders Union

Olga Shendetskaya has been a part of the Traders Union team as an author, editor and proofreader since 2017. Since 2020, Shendetskaya has been the assistant chief editor of the website of Traders Union, an international association of traders. She has over 10 years of experience of working with economic and financial texts. In the period of 2017-2020, Olga has worked as a journalist and editor of laftNews news agency, economic and financial news sections. At the moment, Olga is a part of the team of top industry experts involved in creation of educational articles in finance and investment, overseeing their writing and publication on the Traders Union website.