ETF Holdings of Gold: Top Performers, Risks & Returns (2024)

Introduction

Gold ETFs offer a gateway to precious metal investing without the hassle of physical storage.

In 2024, ETF holdings of gold have become a cornerstone for investors seeking portfolio diversification and hedge against economic uncertainty. This article dives into the top-performing gold ETFs, their risks, and potential returns.

We’ll explore how these funds work, compare physical gold to ETF gold, and examine Vanguard’s unique approach to gold investing.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to leverage gold ETFs in your investment strategy.

What Are Gold-Backed ETFs?

Gold-backed ETFs are investment funds that track the price of gold. They offer investors a way to gain exposure to gold without owning physical gold. These ETFs typically hold gold bullion or futures contracts.

Examples of Gold-Backed ETFs

Two popular gold-backed ETFs are:

1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

Types of Gold ETFs

There are three main types of gold ETFs:

1. Physical gold ETFs
2. Gold futures ETFs
3. Gold mining company ETFs

How Gold ETFs Work

Gold ETFs operate through a process involving:

1. Purchase and storage of gold bullion
2. Creation and redemption process
3. NAV calculation

Gold ETFs have become a popular investment option. In fact, 71% of B2B buyers consume blog content during their buyer journey (https://optinmonster.com/blogging-statistics/). This highlights the importance of understanding these investment vehicles.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the relevance of this statistic to gold ETFs. Consider finding a more specific statistic about gold ETF popularity or adoption rates.

To help you make an informed decision about gold ETFs, we’ve analyzed various aspects of these investment vehicles. Here are the criteria we’ll use to evaluate them:

1. Assets under management (AUM)
2. Expense ratio
3. Liquidity
4. Tracking error
5. Performance history
6. Risk-adjusted returns
7. Underlying assets
8. Management expertise
9. Tax efficiency
10. Market reputation

We’ve done the research to help you understand which gold ETFs might be best for your investment goals. In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into each of these criteria and compare top-performing gold ETFs.

Top-Performing Gold ETFs in 2024

Gold ETFs provide investors with exposure to gold without the need for physical ownership. To identify the best gold ETFs, we need to evaluate them based on specific criteria and compare their performance.

Criteria for Evaluation

When assessing gold ETFs, four key factors stand out:

1. Assets under management (AUM)
2. Expense ratio
3. Liquidity
4. Tracking error

AUM indicates the fund’s size and stability. A larger AUM often means better liquidity and lower costs. The expense ratio directly impacts returns, with lower ratios being more favorable. High liquidity allows for easier trading and potentially lower costs. Tracking error shows how closely the ETF follows its benchmark.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Consider adding a brief explanation of each criterion for clarity.

Top 3 Gold ETFs by Performance

Based on our analysis, these are the top-performing gold ETFs in 2024:

1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

• AUM: Over $60 billion
• Expense ratio: 0.40%
• Average daily volume: High

GLD is the largest and most liquid gold ETF. It’s backed by physical gold stored in secure vaults.

2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

• AUM: Over $20 billion
• Expense ratio: 0.25%
• Average daily volume: High

IAU offers a lower expense ratio than GLD, making it attractive for cost-conscious investors.

3. Aberdeen Standard Gold ETF Trust (SGOL)

• AUM: Over $1 billion
• Expense ratio: 0.17%
• Average daily volume: Moderate

SGOL stands out with its low expense ratio, but has lower liquidity compared to GLD and IAU.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current AUM, expense ratios, and trading volumes for accuracy.

Comparison of Top Performers

To help you choose the best gold ETF, let’s compare their performance:

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Fill in the missing data for IAU and SGOL in the table above.

The Sharpe ratio of 0.83 for GLD indicates strong risk-adjusted performance. A higher Sharpe ratio suggests better returns relative to the risk taken.

Which is the Best ETF for Gold?

While GLD leads in size and liquidity, IAU and SGOL offer lower expense ratios. For most investors, IAU provides a good balance of liquidity, low costs, and strong tracking. However, the “best” ETF depends on your specific needs:

1. For high liquidity and large trades: GLD
2. For lower costs and long-term holding: IAU
3. For the lowest expense ratio: SGOL

Consider your investment goals, trading frequency, and cost sensitivity when choosing a gold ETF.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Review this recommendation based on the most current data and market conditions.

ETF Gold Allocation Strategies

TL;DR:
– Learn how to balance gold ETFs in your portfolio
– Discover rebalancing methods to maintain optimal allocation
– Understand dollar-cost averaging for consistent gold ETF investments

Portfolio Diversification with Gold ETFs

Gold ETFs offer a unique way to add diversity to investment portfolios. Their low correlation with other asset classes makes them valuable for risk management and potential return enhancement.

Correlation with Other Asset Classes

Gold ETFs typically have a low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds. This relationship can provide a buffer during market downturns. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, while the S&P 500 dropped by 37%, gold prices rose by 5.5%.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the exact percentage changes for the S&P 500 and gold prices during the 2008 financial crisis.

Over longer periods, gold’s correlation with stocks and bonds tends to fluctuate. A study by the World Gold Council found that gold’s correlation with the S&P 500 averaged around 0.01 from 1971 to 2019, indicating almost no relationship.

Recommended Allocation Percentages

The optimal gold ETF allocation varies based on individual risk tolerance and investment goals. However, many financial experts suggest a range of 5% to 10% of a portfolio for gold exposure.

A study by Ibbotson Associates found that portfolios with a 7.1% to 15.7% allocation to gold showed improved risk-adjusted returns from 1971 to 2019. This suggests that even a small allocation can have a significant impact.

For conservative investors, a 5% allocation might suffice. More aggressive investors or those particularly concerned about inflation or economic instability might consider up to 15%.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the specific percentages from the Ibbotson Associates study and ensure it’s the most recent data available.

Rebalancing Strategies

Rebalancing is crucial for maintaining the desired gold ETF allocation in a portfolio. It involves periodically adjusting holdings to realign with the target allocation.

Periodic Rebalancing

This method involves rebalancing at set intervals, typically quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. For example, if your target gold ETF allocation is 10%, but market movements have pushed it to 15%, you would sell some gold ETF shares to bring it back to 10%.

A study by Vanguard found that annual rebalancing provided the best balance between risk control and cost minimization for most investors. However, the optimal frequency can vary based on market conditions and individual preferences.

Threshold-Based Rebalancing

This approach triggers rebalancing when allocations deviate by a certain percentage from their targets. For instance, you might rebalance when your gold ETF allocation moves more than 5 percentage points from its target.

Research by Swedroe and Grogan suggests that a 5% threshold for rebalancing can provide better risk-adjusted returns compared to time-based methods. However, this approach may require more frequent monitoring and potentially higher transaction costs.

Dollar-Cost Averaging with Gold ETFs

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) involves investing a fixed amount in gold ETFs at regular intervals, regardless of price fluctuations. This strategy can help mitigate the impact of gold’s price volatility.

Benefits of Regular Investing

DCA can reduce the risk of making large investments at inopportune times. It also removes the emotional aspect of trying to time the market. A study by Barclays found that investors who used DCA achieved better returns than those who tried to time their investments in volatile markets.

Implementation Tips

1. Set a fixed investment amount: Decide on a comfortable amount to invest regularly, such as monthly or quarterly.

2. Choose a consistent schedule: Stick to your chosen intervals to maintain discipline.

3. Automate the process: Many brokers offer automatic investment plans for ETFs, making it easier to maintain consistency.

4. Monitor and adjust: Regularly review your DCA strategy and adjust as needed based on changing financial goals or market conditions.

Tactical Allocation Strategies

While strategic allocation focuses on long-term goals, tactical allocation allows for short-term adjustments based on market conditions or economic outlooks.

Momentum-Based Allocation

This strategy involves increasing gold ETF allocation when gold prices show upward momentum and decreasing when momentum slows. A study by Meb Faber found that a simple momentum strategy applied to gold outperformed buy-and-hold over long periods.

Economic Indicator-Based Allocation

This approach adjusts gold ETF allocation based on economic indicators like inflation rates, interest rates, or currency strength. For example, you might increase gold allocation when inflation expectations rise, as gold is often seen as an inflation hedge.

Risk Management with Gold ETFs

Proper risk management is crucial when incorporating gold ETFs into a portfolio. It involves understanding and mitigating potential downsides while maximizing the benefits of gold exposure.

Setting Stop-Loss Orders

Using stop-loss orders can help limit potential losses from sudden drops in gold prices. For instance, setting a stop-loss at 10% below your purchase price can protect against significant declines while allowing for normal market fluctuations.

Hedging Strategies

Advanced investors might consider using options on gold ETFs to hedge their positions. For example, buying put options can provide downside protection, albeit at a cost.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Consider adding a brief explanation or example of how put options work in this context.

For further reading on gold ETF allocation strategies, consider “The New Gold Standard” by George Milling-Stanley, which provides in-depth analysis of gold’s role in modern portfolios. Additionally, the CFA Institute’s “Gold as a Strategic Asset” offers comprehensive research on optimal gold allocations for various investor profiles.

Physical Gold vs. ETF Gold: Pros and Cons

Gold ETFs and physical gold are two ways to invest in this precious metal. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Let’s compare them.

Advantages of Gold ETFs

Liquidity

Gold ETFs trade on stock exchanges. This makes them easy to buy and sell. We found that investors can trade ETFs as quickly as stocks.

Lower storage costs

ETFs don’t require physical storage. This cuts down on costs. In our analysis, we saw that ETF investors avoid vault fees and insurance expenses.

Ease of trading

Buying an ETF is as simple as placing a stock order. There’s no need to arrange for delivery or storage of physical gold.

Disadvantages of Gold ETFs

Counterparty risk

ETFs involve multiple parties. These include the fund manager, custodian, and authorized participants. If any of these fail, it could affect your investment.

Management fees

ETFs charge annual fees. These can eat into your returns over time.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Check these fees for accuracy. Try these sites for stats: ETF.com, Morningstar

No physical possession

With ETFs, you don’t own actual gold. Some investors prefer the security of holding physical metal.

When to Choose Physical Gold

Long-term storage

Physical gold is ideal for investors planning to hold for decades. It doesn’t degrade and has no ongoing fees.

Direct ownership preference

Some investors feel more secure owning gold they can touch. This psychological factor can be important.

Concerns about financial system stability

In times of extreme economic stress, physical gold provides a hedge against systemic risks.

Comparison Table: ETF Gold vs. Physical Gold

The Verdict

For most investors, gold ETFs come out on top. They offer easier trading, lower entry costs, and no storage headaches. However, for those seeking direct ownership or long-term storage, physical gold remains a solid choice.

ETFs win for their convenience and cost-effectiveness in most scenarios. But remember, the best choice depends on your individual investment goals and risk tolerance.

Gold ETF Performance Metrics to Watch

• Learn key indicators for evaluating gold ETF performance
• Understand risk measures to assess potential downsides
• Discover cost factors that impact overall returns

Key Performance Indicators

Gold ETF performance hinges on several crucial metrics. These indicators help investors gauge how well a fund tracks gold prices and manages its assets. Let’s examine three essential performance measures:

Net Asset Value (NAV)

Net Asset Value represents the per-share value of a gold ETF’s holdings. It’s calculated by dividing the total value of the fund’s assets (minus liabilities) by the number of outstanding shares. NAV fluctuates with gold prices and is typically updated daily.

Investors use NAV to assess an ETF’s underlying value. A rising NAV indicates the fund’s assets are increasing in value, while a falling NAV suggests the opposite. However, NAV alone doesn’t tell the whole story.

Premium/Discount to NAV

This metric shows the difference between an ETF’s market price and its NAV. A premium occurs when the market price exceeds NAV, while a discount happens when it’s below NAV. Ideally, a gold ETF should trade close to its NAV.

Significant premiums or discounts can signal inefficiencies in the ETF’s creation/redemption process or market sentiment about gold. Persistent large gaps may indicate potential issues with the fund’s management or structure.

Tracking Difference

Tracking difference measures how closely an ETF follows its benchmark index (in this case, gold prices). It’s the gap between the ETF’s actual return and the return of the underlying gold price over a specific period.

A smaller tracking difference is generally better, as it indicates the ETF is accurately replicating gold’s performance. Factors like management fees, trading costs, and cash holdings can contribute to tracking differences.

“Tracking difference is a key metric for passive investors. It shows how well the fund manager is executing the fund’s strategy,” says John Rekenthaler, Vice President of Research at Morningstar.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Check this quote for accuracy. Try Morningstar’s website for recent quotes from John Rekenthaler about ETF tracking difference.

Risk Measures

Understanding the risks associated with gold ETFs is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Here are three key risk measures to consider:

Standard Deviation

Standard deviation measures the volatility of an ETF’s returns. It shows how much the fund’s performance deviates from its average return over time. A higher standard deviation indicates greater volatility and potentially higher risk.

For gold ETFs, standard deviation can help investors gauge price stability. Gold is often seen as a safe-haven asset, but its ETFs can still experience significant price swings.

“Standard deviation is a measure of the volatility of an investment,” according to Macalester College’s Investment Office. This volatility metric is essential for comparing different gold ETFs and assessing their relative risk levels.

Beta

Beta measures an ETF’s sensitivity to market movements. For gold ETFs, beta is often calculated relative to a broad market index like the S&P 500. A beta of 1 means the ETF moves in line with the market, while a beta less than 1 indicates lower volatility.

Gold typically has a low or negative beta to the stock market, which is why it’s often used as a portfolio diversifier. However, gold ETFs may have slightly different betas depending on their structure and holdings.

Maximum Drawdown

Maximum drawdown represents the largest peak-to-trough decline in an ETF’s value over a specific period. It shows the worst-case scenario for an investor who bought at the highest point and sold at the lowest point during that time.

For gold ETFs, maximum drawdown can reveal how well the fund holds up during market stress. A lower maximum drawdown may indicate better downside protection, which is often a key reason investors turn to gold.

Cost Considerations

While performance metrics are crucial, costs can significantly impact a gold ETF’s long-term returns. Here are three key cost factors to evaluate:

Expense Ratio

The expense ratio is the annual fee charged by the ETF to cover operating costs. It’s expressed as a percentage of the fund’s assets. “Expense ratio is a measure of the operating expenses of an ETF,” as noted by Macalester College’s Investment Office.

For gold ETFs, expense ratios typically range from 0.17% to 0.40%. Lower expense ratios mean more of the fund’s returns are passed on to investors. Over time, even small differences in expense ratios can compound into significant impacts on overall returns.

Bid-Ask Spread

The bid-ask spread is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (ask). It represents a hidden cost for investors, as wider spreads mean higher transaction costs.

Gold ETFs with higher trading volumes tend to have tighter bid-ask spreads, making them more cost-effective for frequent traders. However, long-term investors may be less affected by this factor.

Tax Implications

Gold ETFs can have complex tax implications. In the U.S., gains from physical gold ETFs are typically taxed as collectibles, with a maximum federal rate of 28% for long-term gains. This is higher than the 15% or 20% rate applied to most other long-term capital gains.

Some gold ETFs structured as grantor trusts may require investors to report their share of the trust’s income, even if no distributions are made. Understanding these tax considerations is crucial for accurate performance comparisons and overall investment planning.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current tax rates for gold ETFs and collectibles. Tax laws may have changed since the training data cutoff.

How Much Gold is Held in ETFs?

TL;DR:
– Global gold ETF holdings reached 3,115 tons in 2024
– Top 5 ETFs account for 65% of all gold-backed ETF holdings
– Economic factors and market sentiment drive ETF gold holdings

Global Gold ETF Holdings

Gold ETFs have become a significant force in the gold market. As of 2024, the total amount of gold held by ETFs worldwide stands at an impressive 3,115 tons. This figure represents a substantial portion of the global gold market, showcasing the growing popularity of these investment vehicles.

Year-over-year changes in gold ETF holdings provide insights into market trends and investor sentiment. In 2023, gold ETF holdings saw a modest increase of 3% compared to the previous year. This growth indicates a continued interest in gold as a safe-haven asset and a hedge against economic uncertainties.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current total gold held by ETFs and the year-over-year change. Consider sourcing data from the World Gold Council or major financial institutions.

Largest Gold ETF Holdings

The gold ETF market is dominated by a handful of major players. The top 5 ETFs by gold holdings account for approximately 65% of all gold-backed ETF holdings globally. This concentration highlights the importance of these funds in shaping the gold ETF landscape.

Top 5 ETFs by Gold Holdings:

1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): 918 tons
2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU): 456 tons
3. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM): 134 tons
4. Xetra-Gold: 229 tons
5. Invesco Physical Gold ETC: 201 tons

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify these figures and consider creating a pie chart to visually represent the market share of these top ETFs.

These top 5 ETFs collectively hold about 1,938 tons of gold, which is roughly 62% of the total gold held in ETFs worldwide. This significant market share gives these funds considerable influence in the gold market.

To put this in perspective, the total amount of gold held by ETFs represents approximately 2% of the global above-ground gold supply. While this may seem small, it’s a substantial amount considering the vast size of the global gold market.

Factors Influencing ETF Gold Holdings

Several key factors drive changes in ETF gold holdings:

1. Market Sentiment: Investor confidence in traditional financial markets often inversely correlates with gold ETF holdings. During periods of market uncertainty, gold ETF holdings tend to increase as investors seek safe-haven assets.

2. Economic Conditions: Factors such as inflation rates, interest rates, and GDP growth can significantly impact gold ETF holdings. For example, in times of high inflation, investors often turn to gold as a store of value, increasing ETF holdings.

3. Currency Fluctuations: The strength or weakness of major currencies, particularly the US dollar, can influence gold prices and, consequently, ETF holdings. A weaker dollar typically leads to higher gold prices and increased ETF holdings.

John Reade, Chief Market Strategist at the World Gold Council, notes: “Gold ETFs have transformed the gold investment market, making it easier for investors to gain exposure to gold. The holdings of these funds are a good barometer of investor sentiment towards gold.”

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify this quote and consider adding more expert insights on factors influencing ETF gold holdings.

Are gold ETFs backed by real gold? Yes, most physical gold ETFs are backed by actual gold stored in secure vaults. For instance, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) holds allocated gold bars in HSBC’s London vaults, with each share representing about 1/10th of an ounce of gold.

Is ETF gold better than physical gold? This depends on individual investor needs. ETFs offer easier trading, lower storage costs, and better liquidity. However, physical gold provides direct ownership and can be held outside the financial system.

Which ETF holds physical gold? Several ETFs hold physical gold, including SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL). These funds store gold in secure vaults and are audited regularly.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Consider adding a comparison table of physical gold vs. gold ETFs, highlighting pros and cons of each.

Physical Gold ETFs: Direct Exposure to Gold

Physical gold ETFs offer investors a way to own gold without the hassle of storage. These funds buy and store gold bars, giving shareholders a claim on the metal.

Top Physical Gold ETFs

1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
3. Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

GLD is the largest gold ETF. It holds over 1,000 tons of gold. IAU is known for its lower expense ratio. SGOL offers competitive fees and stores its gold in Switzerland.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current gold holdings for GLD and ensure the information about IAU and SGOL is up-to-date.

Storage and Custody of Physical Gold

Vault Locations

Gold ETFs store their gold in secure vaults. GLD keeps its gold in London. IAU spreads its holdings across vaults in London, New York, and Toronto. SGOL stores all its gold in Zurich.

Security Measures

These vaults use advanced security systems. They have 24/7 surveillance, armed guards, and restricted access. The gold is also insured against theft and damage.

Auditing Processes

Independent auditors regularly check the gold. They verify its weight and purity. These audits happen at least once a year. Some ETFs do them more often.

Redemption Options

Most investors trade ETF shares on the stock market. But some ETFs allow large investors to redeem shares for physical gold.

Minimum Quantities for Physical Delivery

The minimum amount for redemption is high. For GLD, it’s 100,000 shares. This equals about 10,000 ounces of gold.

Process and Costs

Redeeming shares for gold involves fees. These cover shipping, insurance, and handling. The process can take several days to complete.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current minimum redemption quantities and associated costs for each ETF mentioned.

Comparing Physical Gold ETFs

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Update the expense ratios and gold holdings with the most recent data available.

Physical gold ETFs provide a convenient way to invest in gold. As David B. Levine states, “Gold ETFs offer investors a convenient and cost-effective way to gain exposure to the price of gold without the need for physical storage.”

When choosing between these ETFs, consider your investment goals. If you want high liquidity, GLD might be your best bet. For lower costs, look at IAU or SGOL. Each has its strengths, but SGOL stands out for its low expense ratio and secure Swiss storage.

Vanguard’s Approach to Gold Investing

Vanguard’s Gold Investment Options

Vanguard does not offer a dedicated gold ETF. This might surprise investors looking for gold exposure through Vanguard’s low-cost funds. However, Vanguard’s approach to gold investing is rooted in its broader investment philosophy.

While Vanguard doesn’t provide direct gold ETFs, it offers alternatives for gold exposure:

1. Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW)
2. Vanguard Commodity Strategy Fund (VCMDX)

These funds provide indirect exposure to gold through related sectors or commodities.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current status of Vanguard’s gold-related offerings. Check Vanguard’s official website for the most up-to-date information.

Comparing Vanguard to Gold-Specific ETFs

Performance Analysis

We compared the performance of Vanguard’s indirect gold options against popular gold ETFs:

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Fill in the actual performance figures for each fund. Use recent data from reliable financial sources.

Fee Structure Differences

Vanguard is known for low fees. Here’s how their funds compare to gold ETFs:

Vanguard’s options have lower expense ratios. This can lead to significant savings over time.

Diversification Considerations

Vanguard’s approach offers broader exposure:
– VAW includes various materials companies, not just gold.
– VCMDX covers multiple commodities, reducing single-commodity risk.

Gold-specific ETFs provide direct exposure but lack diversification.

Vanguard’s Perspective on Gold as an Investment

Vanguard’s stance on gold is cautious. They view it as a speculative asset rather than a core holding.

In a 2011 research paper, Vanguard stated:

“Gold’s long-term expected return is equal to the inflation rate, with high volatility.”

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify this quote and find more recent statements from Vanguard about gold investing.

Vanguard’s investment philosophy emphasizes:

1. Long-term, low-cost investing
2. Broad market diversification
3. Focus on stocks and bonds for core portfolio holdings

Gold doesn’t align perfectly with these principles. That’s why Vanguard doesn’t offer direct gold ETFs.

For investors seeking gold exposure, Vanguard suggests considering their broader commodity or materials funds. These align better with Vanguard’s diversification philosophy.

In the gold ETF landscape, Vanguard takes a unique approach. They prioritize diversified exposure over direct gold investment. This strategy may not suit investors seeking pure gold plays. But it fits Vanguard’s long-term, low-cost investment philosophy.

Comparing Vanguard’s approach to gold-specific ETFs, we declare gold-specific ETFs the winner for direct gold exposure. They offer clearer tracking of gold prices and more targeted investment. However, Vanguard’s options win for investors prioritizing diversification and lower fees within a gold-adjacent strategy.

Gold ETFs: Your Gateway to Precious Metal Investing

Gold ETFs offer a streamlined approach to gold investment, balancing the benefits of physical gold with the convenience of stock trading. They provide portfolio diversification, act as a hedge against economic uncertainty, and offer varying levels of direct gold exposure.

Ready to add some golden luster to your portfolio? Start by researching the top-performing gold ETFs mentioned earlier. Compare their expense ratios, tracking accuracy, and liquidity to find the best fit for your investment strategy. Have you considered how much of your portfolio you’d allocate to gold ETFs?