There are multiple ways to gain exposure to gold, from directly purchasing gold bullion to more indirect methods like owning shares of public mining companies. To get in on the action, the most efficient approach for retail investors is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with gold as their underlying asset.

While some funds invest directly in the physical metal, others manage a portfolio of gold-related stocks.

ETFs are convenient because they provide instant diversification at a low cost. Here’s a look at some of the most widely held gold ETFs.

Top gold ETFs

Bankrate selected its top funds based on the following criteria:

  • U.S. funds that appear in ETF.com’s screener for gold or materials ETFs
  • Assets under management of at least $900 million
  • Expense ratios under 0.60 percent

(ETF performance data mentioned below is as of June 12, 2023.)

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

GLD is one of the most popular ETFs available. The fund invests in physical gold, and its performance is highly correlated to gold spot prices.

2023 YTD performance: 7.2 percent
Five-year annual return: 8.2 percent
Assets under management: $58.5 billion
Expense ratio: 0.40 percent

iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

Another popular option, this fund also tracks the spot price of gold by investing in gold bars held in vaults around the world. But compared to GLD, its expense ratio is lower.

2023 YTD performance: 7.3 percent
Five-year annual return: 8.3 percent
Assets under management: $28.5 billion
Expense ratio: 0.25 percent

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

GDX is one of the most popular ETFs in the global mining sector. The fund owns all the major names in the mining space. Apart from gold, some of these firms also mine for metals like silver and copper.

2023 YTD performance: 9.0 percent
Five-year annual return: 7.9 percent
Assets under management: $12.7 billion
Expense ratio: 0.51 percent

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ)

This fund invests in foreign small-cap mining companies that generate at least half of their revenues from gold and silver. About 50 percent of these companies are based in Canada.

2023 YTD performance: 5.0 percent
Five-year annual return: 3.6 percent
Assets under management: $4.0 billion
Expense ratio: 0.52 percent

GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR)

This ETF invests directly in gold held in a London vault and overseen by ICBC Standard Bank, and its price should track the spot price of the precious metal relatively closely.

2023 YTD performance: 7.4 percent
Five-year annual return: 8.4 percent
Assets under management: $969.3 million
Expense ratio: 0.175 percent

Why invest in gold

The most common reason retail investors buy gold ETFs is diversification. Owning various investments minimizes the risk of having too much exposure to a single asset.

Historically, gold has had a low correlation to the stock market. For example, during the financial crisis in 2008, gold prices rose 2 percent while the S&P 500 index plunged 37 percent. More recently, gold prices spiked in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Apart from diversification, some investors believe gold also serves as a hedge against inflation because it’s performed well during periods of high inflation in the past, particularly during the 1970s. But there’s no guarantee gold will increase alongside inflation over time.

Additionally, in times of political or social turmoil, investors often flock to gold as a safe haven, leaving behind more volatile assets.

Gold has a strong track record as an effective portfolio diversifier and a defensive store of value.

The disadvantages of buying gold

While gold has retained its value over the years, the commodity has been susceptible to erratic moves in the short term.

Some investors also argue that, unlike stocks, valuations for gold can be tricky to estimate. There are no earnings nor cash flow metrics to analyze. Similarly, gold is a non-yielding asset, a turn-off for those looking for passive income like dividends.

In 2021, many gold funds decreased in value as investors sold gold to purchase riskier assets amidst a boom in the stock and cryptocurrency markets. Now, as concerns about persistent inflation and a possible recession grow, gold returns have slowly started to pick back up as investors are turning back to the metal for stability. Investors should be wary of these swings in valuation as market conditions change.

Depending on the type of assets you own, profits from selling gold ETFs can be taxed as collectibles rather than ordinary investments, potentially raising the tax rate you pay. These rules only apply for holdings outside tax-advantaged accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA.

How to buy gold ETFs

When selecting gold ETFs, decide whether you want exposure to physical gold or public companies involved in gold mining. These two asset classes have different risk profiles.

As you plan your investment strategy, here are four steps to guide you:

  1. Determine your financial goals: The investments you choose depend on what you are trying to achieve. For example, someone saving to buy a second home will have a different investment strategy than someone saving for their child’s college education costs. So always let your financial objectives drive your decision-making.
  2. Research gold funds: When selecting commodity ETFs, pay attention to factors like the fund’s performance, expense ratios, top holdings, and assets under management. Investors can find this information in a fund’s prospectus.
  3. Outline your asset mix: Before investing, do an inventory of all your assets, and calibrate your portfolio accordingly. Remember, the key is to remain diversified.
  4. Know what you own: By periodically reviewing your investments, you can take charge of your finances and make any necessary adjustments. Leverage any free resources from your broker, like meeting with a financial planner, and always ask questions. Ultimately, there’s no such thing as a hands-off investment.

Bottom line

Since ancient times, gold has maintained a coveted status in society to symbolize wealth and power. For investors, gold serves as a portfolio hedge against market volatility and geopolitical unrest. And as inflation concerns increase, gold may continue to shine.

Note: Bankrate’s Brian Baker contributed to an update of this story.

Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation.