Top Gold ETFs/ETCs | Find The Best Gold ETF/ETC | justETF (2024)

Top Gold ETFs/ETCs

The gold price

Gold is seen as a safe haven by many investors. Especially in financial turmoil, it has shown to stabilise equity/bond portfolios.

An investment in gold is easily done with listed products, like ETFs or ETCs. These investment products track the spot gold price closely, after taking management fees into account. The advantage of exchange-traded gold products is the minimal bid-ask spread compared to a direct trade in gold bullion. This is mainly due to the large 12.5kg bullion that are held and traded at fund level. Currently, gold is tracked by 19 ETFs and/or ETCs.

Besides exchange-traded products on gold in US dollar, there are currency-hedged products available as well. These products are also considered in our comparison.

The difference between Gold ETFs and Gold ETCs

The diversification principles of the regulatory investment fund framework (UCITS) do not allow to launch a UCITS fund with only one constituent. Due to this fact, gold is mainly available as an exchange-traded commodity (ETC) in European countries. These products are certificates issued by a financial institution collateralised with physical gold. In contrast to the EU, Swiss regulation allows ETFs for single commodities like gold.

Cost of Gold ETFs/ETCs

The total expense ratio (TER) of Gold ETCs is between 0.00% p.a. and 0.59% p.a.. These costs contain insurance premium, storage costs and additional management fees for the product.

The best Gold ETF/ETC by 1-year fund return as of 31.01.24

1 EUWAX Gold II 7.01%
2 EUWAX Gold 6.63%
3 Xetra-Gold 6.50%

All Gold ETFs/ETCs ranked by fund return

The largest Gold ETF/ETC by fund size in EUR

1 Invesco Physical Gold A 13,298 m
2 iShares Physical Gold ETC 12,347 m
3 Xetra-Gold 11,451 m

All Gold ETFs/ETCs ranked by fund size

The cheapest Gold ETF/ETC by total expense ratio

1 boerse.de Gold ETC 0.00% p.a.
2 EUWAX Gold 0.00% p.a.
3 EUWAX Gold II 0.00% p.a.

All Gold ETFs/ETCs ranked by total expense ratio

Gold ETFs/ETCs in comparison

The most important factors at a glance

Besides return, there are further important factors to consider when selecting a Gold ETF or ETC. In order to provide a sound decision basis, you find a list of all Gold ETFs/ETCs with details on size, cost, age, currency hedge, instrument type and collateral ranked by fund size.

Compare all Gold ETFs/ETCs in detail
Compare all Gold ETFs/ETCs in a chart

Provider
ISIN
Fund size
in m EUR
TER
in %
Currency hedge Instrument type Replication method
Invesco Physical Gold AIE00B579F325 13,298 0.12% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
iShares Physical Gold ETCIE00B4ND3602 12,347 0.12% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Xetra-GoldDE000A0S9GB0 11,451 0.00% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
WisdomTree Physical GoldJE00B1VS3770 3,994 0.39% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Amundi Physical Gold ETC (C)FR0013416716 3,858 0.12% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold ETC SecuritiesDE000A2T0VU5 2,853 0.11% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Gold Bullion SecuritiesGB00B00FHZ82 2,470 0.40% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
WisdomTree Physical Swiss GoldJE00B588CD74 2,182 0.15% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Xtrackers Physical Gold ETC (EUR)DE000A1E0HR8 1,777 0.25% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
EUWAX Gold IIDE000EWG2LD7 1,238 0.00% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Xtrackers Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETCDE000A1EK0G3 1,109 0.59% p.a. Yes
(in EUR)
ETC Physically backed
HANetf The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETCXS2115336336 644 0.22% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
WisdomTree Core Physical GoldJE00BN2CJ301 572 0.12% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC SecuritiesDE000A2T5DZ1 564 0.28% p.a. Yes
(in EUR)
ETC Physically backed
EUWAX GoldDE000EWG0LD1 460 0.00% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
Invesco Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETCXS2183935274 442 0.34% p.a. Yes
(in EUR)
ETC Physically backed
WisdomTree Physical Gold - EUR Daily HedgedJE00B8DFY052 374 0.25% p.a. Yes
(in EUR)
ETC Physically backed
boerse.de Gold ETCDE000TMG0LD6 39 0.00% p.a. - ETC Physically backed
iShares Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETCIE0009JOT9U1 25 0.25% p.a. Yes
(in EUR)
ETC Physically backed

Source: justETF.com; As of 17.02.24

Return comparison of all Gold ETFs/ETCs

The table shows the returns of all Gold ETFs/ETCs in comparison. All return figures are including dividends as of month end. Besides the return the reference date on which you conduct the comparison is important. In order to find the best Gold ETF/ETC, you can also perform a chart comparison.

  • Cumulative
  • Calendar year
ETF/ETC 1 month
in %
3 months
in %
6 months
in %
1 year
in %
3 years
in %
EUWAX Gold II 0.26% 1.25% 5.98% 7.01% 22.57%
EUWAX Gold 1.20% 0.31% 6.01% 6.63% 21.52%
Xetra-Gold 1.35% 0.31% 5.81% 6.50% 23.54%
boerse.de Gold ETC 0.67% -1.15% 4.75% 6.46% -
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold ETC Securities 1.29% 0.31% 5.81% 6.42% 23.14%
iShares Physical Gold ETC 1.24% 0.30% 5.78% 6.39% 23.08%
Amundi Physical Gold ETC (C) 1.23% 0.25% 5.74% 6.36% 23.11%
WisdomTree Physical Swiss Gold 1.13% 0.91% 5.82% 6.34% 23.10%
Xtrackers Physical Gold ETC (EUR) 1.23% 0.25% 5.71% 6.24% 22.64%
Invesco Physical Gold A 1.12% 0.91% 5.84% 6.17% 23.22%
WisdomTree Core Physical Gold 1.12% 0.45% 5.65% 6.06% 22.90%
HANetf The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETC 1.13% 0.86% 5.69% 5.99% 22.79%
WisdomTree Physical Gold 1.11% 0.84% 5.70% 5.89% 22.25%
Gold Bullion Securities 1.09% 0.86% 5.66% 5.86% 22.18%
iShares Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.84% 2.43% 2.93% 3.97% -
Xtrackers Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.91% 2.32% 2.74% 3.37% 2.38%
WisdomTree Physical Gold - EUR Daily Hedged -0.95% 2.32% 2.77% 3.33% 1.95%
Invesco Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.86% 2.32% 2.74% 3.24% 1.88%
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC Securities -0.86% 2.27% 2.67% 3.22% 1.96%
ETF/ETC 2024
in %
2023
in %
2022
in %
2021
in %
2020
in %
Xetra-Gold 1.35% 9.45% 7.05% 4.05% 13.18%
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold ETC Securities 1.29% 9.43% 6.99% 3.80% -
iShares Physical Gold ETC 1.24% 9.46% 7.03% 2.89% 13.69%
Amundi Physical Gold ETC (C) 1.23% 9.39% 6.97% 3.92% 13.00%
Xtrackers Physical Gold ETC (EUR) 1.23% 9.27% 6.83% 3.75% 12.92%
EUWAX Gold 1.20% 9.35% 6.18% 4.33% 12.65%
HANetf The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETC 1.13% 9.32% 6.00% 3.83% -
WisdomTree Physical Swiss Gold 1.13% 9.52% 6.03% 3.91% 13.72%
Invesco Physical Gold A 1.12% 9.52% 6.10% 3.91% 13.66%
WisdomTree Core Physical Gold 1.12% 9.47% 5.93% 3.89% -
WisdomTree Physical Gold 1.11% 9.25% 5.78% 3.67% 13.46%
Gold Bullion Securities 1.09% 9.23% 5.77% 3.66% 13.46%
boerse.de Gold ETC 0.67% 8.63% 6.61% - -
EUWAX Gold II 0.26% 9.84% 6.56% 4.36% 13.74%
iShares Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.84% 10.53% - - -
Invesco Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.86% 10.04% -2.18% -5.87% -
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC Securities -0.86% 9.97% -2.05% -5.86% -
Xtrackers Physical Gold EUR Hedged ETC -0.91% 10.21% -1.97% -5.71% 21.56%
WisdomTree Physical Gold - EUR Daily Hedged -0.95% 10.27% -2.14% -5.95% 21.34%

Source: justETF.com; As of 31.01.24; Calculations in EUR including dividends

Top Gold ETFs/ETCs | Find The Best Gold ETF/ETC | justETF (2024)

FAQs

Top Gold ETFs/ETCs | Find The Best Gold ETF/ETC | justETF? ›

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The largest gold exchange-traded fund, or ETF, by a wide margin, is the SPDR Gold Trust, the go-to way for investors looking to play the precious metal.

What is the most successful gold ETF? ›

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

The largest gold exchange-traded fund, or ETF, by a wide margin, is the SPDR Gold Trust, the go-to way for investors looking to play the precious metal.

What is the best gold ETF to invest in? ›

Best-performing gold ETFs
TickerETF Name1-year return
IAUMiShares Gold Trust Micro ETF of Benef Interest15.52%
OUNZVanEck Merk Gold Trust15.49%
AAAUGoldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF15.46%
IAUFiShares Gold Strategy ETF14.75%
May 1, 2024

What is the difference between gold etc and gold ETF? ›

The main differences between an ETF and an ETC are: Underlying Assets: ETFs can hold a variety of assets such as stocks, bonds, or a combination of different asset classes. ETCs specifically track the performance of commodities such as precious metals (gold, silver), energy resources, or agricultural products.

Which gold ETF pays dividends? ›

The Bottom Line
  • Sprott ETFs. "Sprott Gold Miners ETF."
  • Sprott ETFs. "Sprott Gold Miners ETF."
  • Solactive. "Solactive Gold Miners Custom Factors Index NTR."
  • ETF.com. "SGDX."
  • ETF.com. "GDX."
  • VanEck. "GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF."
  • VanEck. "GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF."
  • iShares by BlackRock.

What is the downside of a gold ETF? ›

Downsides of gold ETFs include exposure to counterparty risk, annual fees, and the possibility the fund fails to properly track the price of gold. Another drawback is that you don't physically own the gold.

Is it better to buy gold or a gold ETF? ›

People may choose to invest in gold ETFs rather than physical gold because owning shares in a gold ETF is more attainable and easier than holding physical gold. ETFs backed by physical gold can provide that exposure and diversification with a lower entry cost than buying gold bars or coins as an individual investor.

Which gold ETF is backed by physical gold? ›

VanEck® Merk® Gold Trust seeks to provide investors with a convenient and cost-efficient way to buy and hold gold through an exchange traded product with the option to take physical delivery of gold if and when desired.

Is it wise to invest in gold ETF? ›

Gold ETFs are more profitable than other gold-based investments if you plan to invest large sums, or indulge in regular trade. Since gold ETFs come with brokerage or commission charges of 0.5 to 1 percent, shop around the ETF market a bit to find a stockbroker/fund manager whose charges are low.

Which gold stock pays the highest dividend? ›

Top gold mining companies by dividend yield
#NameDividend %
1B2Gold 1BTG5.56%
2Caledonia Mining 2CMCL5.28%
3DRDGOLD 3DRD4.90%
4Endeavour Mining 4EDV.TO3.54%
57 more rows

How do I choose a gold ETF? ›

Selecting the Right Gold ETF

You need to keep an eye on tracking errors as well as the trading volumes. Choose funds that have lower tracking error and higher trading volume. If you wish to buy or sell any ETF Unit, you can do that during trading hours of the stock market, which is 9.15 hrs to 15.30 hrs.

Which gold ETF has the lowest expense ratio? ›

Best Gold ETFs in India in 2023
NameMarket Cap (Rs. in cr.)Expense Ratio (%)
IDBI Gold Exchange Traded Fund95.110.35
Axis Gold ETF319.170.53
Kotak Gold ETF1984.130.55
Invesco India Gold Exchange Traded Fund74.210.55
7 more rows
Jan 19, 2023

Which gold stock is best? ›

10 Best Gold Stocks in India
  • Hindustan Zinc Limited: ...
  • Vedanta Limited: ...
  • NMDC Limited: ...
  • Titan Company Limited: ...
  • Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Limited: ...
  • Rajesh Exports Limited: ...
  • Dion World Solutions Limited: ...
  • PC Jeweller Limited:
May 17, 2024

Do gold ETFs hold physical gold? ›

When an investor buys shares of a gold ETF, they are essentially buying a portion of the gold held by the fund. This means that investors do not own physical gold, but instead own a share of the ETF that represents a certain amount of gold.

Is gold ETF taxable income? ›

Gains earned on Gold ETFs bought after March 31, 2023 are taxed as per the income tax slab irrespective of the time when you sell them. Sovereign gold bonds are taxed at the slab rate when sold within three years of buying or at 20 percent when they are sold after 3 years.

Is there a 3x leveraged gold ETF? ›

Leveraged Gold ETFs seek to provide investors with a magnified daily or monthly return of gold prices. The funds use futures contracts to accomplish their goals and can be either long or inversed. The level of magnification is included in their descriptions and are generally 2x or 3x, or -2x or -3x .

Are gold ETFs worth it? ›

Gold ETFs are a compelling way to gain exposure to the precious metal in your portfolio. Consider diversifying your portfolio with gold ETFs today to potentially improve your risk-adjusted returns while protecting yourself against inflation and bear markets.

Is there a better investment than gold? ›

stocks: Which is the better investment? Stocks have generally performed better than gold over the years, but there can be exceptions. Looking back 20 years, for example, gold has outperformed the S&P 500.

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