Gold prices have experienced a remarkable surge, climbing from $2,000 an ounce in early 2024 to over $5,500 by early 2026, driven by central bank purchases, safe-haven demand, and inflation concerns. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) remains the largest gold fund with over $163 billion in assets, but its 0.40% expense ratio may deter cost-sensitive investors. In contrast, the SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust ETF (GLDM), with a lower expense ratio of 0.10% and $32 billion in assets, has outperformed GLD with an average annual return of 22.1% compared to GLD’s 21.8%.
As the U.S. grapples with rising federal debt and persistent inflation, the bullish case for gold remains strong. Central bank buying continues to provide a supportive backdrop, and in a potentially slowing economy, gold could regain its appeal as a safe haven. For investors considering gold ETFs, the lower-cost GLDM appears to be the most strategic choice.
Source: fool.com