SPDR Gold Shares
Price
$410.22
YTD
+15.20%
Expense
0.40%
Yield
0.00%
Best Gold ETFs in 2026 — Physical Gold & Mining Funds
Top gold ETFs in 2026. Compare physical gold ETFs (GLD, IAU) and gold mining ETFs. Prices, expense ratios, and portfolio allocation strategies.
Best Gold ETFs — 2026 Guide
Gold has been a store of value for thousands of years, and ETFs make it easier than ever to add gold exposure to your portfolio. Whether you want physical gold backing or gold mining companies, here are the best gold ETFs in 2026.
Types of Gold ETFs
Physical Gold ETFs: Hold actual gold bullion in vaults (GLD, IAU)
Gold Mining ETFs: Invest in gold mining companies
Leveraged Gold ETFs: Amplified gold price exposure
Why Invest in Gold?
Gold serves multiple portfolio functions:
Inflation hedge — preserves purchasing power
Portfolio diversifier — low correlation with stocks
Safe haven — performs well during market crises
Currency hedge — protects against dollar weakness
GLD vs IAU — Which Gold ETF Is Better?
GLD is the largest and most liquid gold ETF, ideal for traders. IAU has a lower expense ratio (0.25% vs 0.40%), making it better for long-term holders. Both track the price of physical gold.
🏆 Winner — #1 pick
iShares Gold Trust
Price
$84.10
YTD
—
Expense
0.25%
Yield
—
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust
Price
$34.96
YTD
—
Expense
0.75%
Yield
—
SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF
Price
$118.38
YTD
—
Expense
0.35%
Yield
—
VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF
Price
$76.03
YTD
—
Expense
0.54%
Yield
—
Frequently asked questions
Which ETFs provide direct exposure to physical gold in 2026?
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are physical gold ETFs, holding actual gold bullion in vaults for investors.
What are the key differences between GLD and IAU?
GLD is the largest and most liquid gold ETF, ideal for trading, while IAU has a lower expense ratio (0.25% vs 0.40%), making it better for long-term investors. Both track the price of physical gold.
Which ETF provides exposure to a broad commodity basket including gold?
GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) invests across 24 commodities including energy, agriculture, metals, and livestock.
Which ETFs invest in gold mining companies?
XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) provides exposure to U.S. metals and mining companies, including gold miners, while REMX (VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF) focuses on global rare earth and strategic metals miners.
Which gold ETF is best suited for traders seeking liquidity?
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is the most liquid physically-backed gold ETF, making it ideal for active traders.
Which gold ETF is cost-efficient for long-term holding?
IAU (iShares Gold Trust) has a lower expense ratio of 0.25%, making it more cost-efficient for long-term investors.
Which ETF focuses on strategic metals critical for technology and EVs?
REMX (VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF) targets miners of rare earth and strategic metals used in EVs, wind turbines, and defense technology.
Which ETF covers a wide range of U.S. metals and mining companies?
XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) invests in U.S. metals and mining companies, including steel, aluminum, gold miners, and diversified mining operations.