Best Gold ETFs to Watch in 2025: Prices & Performance Insights
Discover the leading gold ETFs for 2025 that offer efficient exposure to gold prices without physical ownership. Learn about IAUM, GLDM, and AAAU's returns, fees, and assets under management.
As we enter 2024, investors are increasingly turning to gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to safeguard their portfolios against inflation and geopolitical uncertainties. In the last year, gold prices surged over 14%, fueled by a weakening U.S. dollar and cautious Federal Reserve interest rate outlooks. This trend highlights gold’s role as a reliable hedge when currency values fluctuate.
For those seeking cost-effective gold exposure without the challenges of physical bullion storage, gold ETFs provide an excellent alternative. Below, we highlight the top-performing gold ETFs based on returns, asset size, and management quality as of mid-December 2023, excluding leveraged or inverse funds and those with less than $50 million in assets under management.
Key Highlights
- Gold ETFs offer an accessible way to invest in gold prices without holding the metal physically.
- iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) boasts over $1.2 billion in assets and a 12% return over the past year.
- SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) manages $6 billion in assets with a 12% annual return.
- Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) holds $607 million in assets and also delivered a 12% return in the last 12 months.
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM)
- One-Year Return: 12%
- Expense Ratio: 0.09%
- Dividend Yield: None
- Average Daily Volume (3 months): 344,794 shares
- Assets Under Management: $1.2 billion
- Launch Date: June 15, 2021
- Issuer: BlackRock Financial Management
IAUM tracks the spot price of gold by holding physical bullion, making it an ideal choice for investors seeking inflation protection and portfolio diversification. Its low expense ratio suits traders interested in short-term gold price movements. Trading at 1/100th of gold’s spot price, IAUM is perfect for investors who prefer smaller trade sizes.
SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)
- One-Year Return: 12%
- Expense Ratio: 0.10%
- Dividend Yield: None
- Average Daily Volume (3 months): 1,891,440 shares
- Assets Under Management: $6.1 billion
- Launch Date: June 15, 2018
- Issuer: World Gold Council
GLDM provides a cost-efficient alternative to larger gold funds like GLD, tracking gold bullion prices stored in London vaults. Structured as a grantor trust, it ensures the fund’s assets are not lent out, preserving investor security.
Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU)
- One-Year Return: 12%
- Expense Ratio: 0.18%
- Dividend Yield: None
- Average Daily Volume (3 months): 1,559,172 shares
- Assets Under Management: $607 million
- Launch Date: June 27, 2018
- Issuer: Goldman Sachs
AAAU aims to mirror the spot gold price by holding physical gold bars and operates as a grantor trust. Since its acquisition by Goldman Sachs Asset Management in 2020, it no longer allows conversion of shares into physical gold, focusing purely on price tracking.
Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult financial advisors before making investment decisions.
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