1. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
SPDR Gold Shares, also known as GLD, is one of the most popular and largest gold ETFs available. It was the first gold ETF to be listed in the United States and has a track record of over 15 years. GLD aims to track the price of gold bullion and holds physical gold bars in secure vaults. It offers investors a way to invest in gold without the challenges of buying and storing physical gold. GLD has a low expense ratio and high liquidity, making it an attractive option for investors. It allows investors to trade shares on major stock exchanges like any other stock. GLD has a large asset base and receives consistent inflows, making it a highly liquid ETF with narrow bid-ask spreads. These factors contribute to its popularity among investors. However, it is important to note that investing in GLD does not provide direct ownership of physical gold. Investors are exposed to the performance of the ETF and not the actual metal itself.
2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
iShares Gold Trust, also known as IAU, is another popular gold ETF. It aims to track the price of gold by holding physical gold bars in a secure vault. IAU offers investors exposure to the performance of gold without the logistical challenges of owning physical gold. IAU has a lower expense ratio compared to GLD, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious investors. It also has high liquidity, making it easy for investors to buy and sell shares on major stock exchanges. Similar to GLD, investing in IAU does not provide direct ownership of physical gold. Investors gain exposure to the ETF's performance rather than the actual metal.
3. Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)
Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF, also known as SGOL, is designed to provide investors with an easy and cost-effective way to invest in physical gold. SGOL holds physical gold bars in secure vaults and aims to track the performance of gold. SGOL has a unique feature that sets it apart from other gold ETFs. It offers investors the option to request delivery of physical gold. This feature may be attractive to investors who prefer to have direct ownership of physical gold in certain situations. However, it is worth noting that requesting physical delivery of gold may involve additional costs. Most investors choose to hold SGOL as a cost-effective way to gain exposure to the performance of gold. SGOL has moderate liquidity compared to GLD and IAU but can still be easily traded on major stock exchanges.
4. VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ)
VanEck Merk Gold Trust, also known as OUNZ, is a unique gold ETF that provides investors with the option to convert their shares into physical gold. OUNZ aims to track the performance of gold and holds physical gold bars in a secure vault. OUNZ offers investors the flexibility to take delivery of physical gold coins or bars in exchange for their shares. This feature makes OUNZ appealing to investors who want the option to own physical gold in certain circumstances. Similar to SGOL, requesting physical delivery of gold may involve additional costs. Most investors hold OUNZ as a way to gain exposure to the performance of gold rather than for physical delivery. OUNZ has lower liquidity compared to GLD, IAU, and SGOL but can still be traded on major stock exchanges.