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5 best gold ETFs

Here are the 5 best gold ETFs based on year-to-date returns.

Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that aim to track the physical price of gold without having investors directly buy and store physical gold.

Our top picks for platforms where you can invest in gold ETFs

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5 best gold ETFs for 2024

These are the best gold ETFs based on year-to-date (YTD) performance for 2024.

LogoETF name and tickerETF descriptionExpense ratioYTD return
SPDR S&P ETF logoSPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)GLDM is a SPDR ETF that tracks the performance of the price of gold bullion.0.10%8.79%
iShares U.S. Aerospace Defense ETF logoiShares Gold Trust Micro ETF of Benef Interest (IAUM)Touted as the lowest-cost physical gold ETF currently on the market, IAUM is an iShares ETF that reflects the performance of the price of gold.0.09%8.79%
GraniteShares logoGraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR)BAR is a GraniteShares ETF, offering investors exposure to the price performance of physical gold.0.17%8.75%
goldman sachs logoGoldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU)AAAU is a Goldman Sachs ETF, offering investors exposure to the performance of the price of gold.0.18%8.71%
Franklin FTSE Italy ETF logoFranklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL)FGDL is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide exposure to responsibly sourced gold investments.0.15%8.70%

How to buy the best gold ETF in 5 easy steps

  1. Choose an online stock trading platform. Select from our Top Picks, use our comparison table or jump straight to the best stock trading apps of 2024.
  2. Sign up for an account. Provide your personal information and sign up.
  3. Set up a funding method to pay for the transaction. Deposit funds into your account by linking your banking information.
  4. Choose the stocks you want to buy. Search for the stock by name or ticker symbol.
  5. Place your order. Buy the stock. It’s that simple.

What are gold ETFs?

Gold ETFs are funds that aim to track the price performance of gold or the performance of companies involved in the gold mining industry. A gold ETF’s value goes up or down based on the price of physical gold or company stock value.

Unlike individual gold stocks, gold mining ETFs expose you to a variety of companies through a single purchase. Unlike physical gold, gold ETFs that track the metal’s price performance expose investors to gold without them needing to store the physical metal itself.

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What Matt says about getting exposure to gold through an ETF

ETFs present a convenient, cost-effective way to invest in gold without the burden of having to store the physical metal yourself. And with gold prices near $2,000 an ounce, ETFs also offer flexibility for investors who don't have a lot of money but who want exposure to this precious metal.

— Matt Miczulski, Editor, Investments.

Compare more trading platforms to invest in gold ETFs

Narrow down top trading platforms by available asset types, minimum deposit and more to find the best for your budget and financial goals.

1 - 10 of 10
Product USFST Finder Score Available asset types Stock trade fee Minimum deposit Cash sweep APY Signup bonus
Finder score
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Futures, Treasury Bills
$0
$0
N/A
Get $50-$5,000
Finder score
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
$0
4.5%
Get a free stock
Finder score
Stocks, Options, Mutual funds, ETFs, Alternatives
$0
$0
0.02%
Get up to $1,000 in stock
Finder score
Stocks, ETFs
$0
$0
N/A
Earn up to $300
Finder score
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
$0
4.9%
FINDER EXCLUSIVE: Get a guaranteed $15 bonus and $10 in free crypto
Finder score
Stocks, Bonds, Options, ETFs, Cryptocurrency, Alternatives, Treasury Bills, High-yield cash account
$0
$0
4.35%
Get up to $10,000 and transfer fees covered
Finder score
Stocks, ETFs
$0
$0
0.1%
Get $10 when you sign up and deposit $5
Finder score
Stocks, ETFs
$0
$500
5%
Get $50
Finder score
Stocks, Bonds, Mutual funds, ETFs, CDs
$0.01
$250
2.83%
Get up to $500
Finder score
Stocks, ETFs, Cryptocurrency
$0
$100
4.25%
N/A
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What is the Finder Score?

The Finder Score crunches 147 key metrics we collected directly from 18+ brokers and assessed each provider’s performance based on nine different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then scored and ranked each provider to determine the best brokerage accounts.

We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.

Read the full Finder Score breakdown

Frequently asked questions about gold ETFs

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Associate Publisher, Investments

Jaclyn Hurst was an associate publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Redeemer University and a University Certificate in Management Foundations from Athabasca University. She’s as passionate about business and finance as she is about the great Canadian outdoors, organic Sumatra coffee and music. See full bio

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