Top Gold ETFs for 2025

Key Takeaways

Gold has shattered multiple price records throughout 2025, reinforcing its role as a safe haven amid global uncertainty.
Among gold-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the iShares Gold Trust Micro ETF (IAUM) stands out for its ultra-low expense ratio, making it a cost-efficient choice for long-term holders.
Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) delivered the strongest one-year performance, appealing to ESG-conscious investors. Meanwhile, SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD) remains the most liquid option, favored by active traders for its tight spreads and high volume.

Gold ETF Investment Strategy 2025: Inflation Hedge and Bullion Exposure Without the Hassle

For investors looking to shield their portfolios from economic turbulence, gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a streamlined and budget-friendly alternative to physical gold. These funds provide direct exposure to the commodity without the complications of storage, insurance, or transport making them ideal for inflation-conscious and risk-averse investors.

Gold has surged to multiple record highs in recent months, driven by persistent inflation fears and escalating geopolitical tensions. ETFs that hold physical bullion or futures contracts allow investors to ride this momentum without the operational burden of owning the metal outright.

Currently, thirteen gold-focused ETFs are actively traded in the U.S. market, excluding leveraged and inverse products and those with under $50 million in assets under management (AUM). These funds invest directly in gold bullion or futures not in mining companies giving investors pure exposure to the metal’s price movements.

In mid-September 2025, gold prices broke past $3,682 per ounce, marking a new all-time high. This milestone capped off a 12-month rally of more than 44%, driven by persistent inflation fears, global instability, and investor flight from fiat currencies. The surge reinforces gold’s role as a defensive asset in volatile markets and a strategic hedge against economic uncertainty.

Top Gold ETFs 2025: Low Fees, High Returns, and Maximum Liquidity

Here’s a focused breakdown of three standout gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as of September 10, 2025 each selected for its cost-efficiency, performance, and trading flexibility. These ETFs exclude leveraged products, which, while potentially offering amplified gains, also introduce elevated risk and volatility. Instead, the spotlight is on funds that provide direct exposure to gold with minimal fees, strong 12-month returns, and high liquidity making them ideal for both long-term holders and active traders.

Lowest Fee Gold ETF 2025: iShares Micro Trust (IAUM) for Inflation Protection and Portfolio Diversification

The iShares Gold Trust Micro ETF (IAUM) leads the pack in cost-efficiency, boasting an ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.09%. Over the past year, it delivered a solid 44.70% return, supported by strong investor demand and gold’s record-breaking performance. With a 3-month average daily volume of 2.6 million shares and $4.1 billion in assets under management, IAUM offers deep liquidity and institutional-grade exposure. Launched on June 15, 2021 by BlackRock Inc., IAUM is structured as a true ETF not a commodity pool or grantor trust and tracks the LBMA Gold Price benchmark. Its sole holding is physical gold bullion, making it a clean and direct hedge against inflation while also serving as a diversification tool for broader portfolios.

Top Performing Gold ETF 2025: Franklin FGDL Delivers ESG-Backed 45% Return

The Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) leads the field in one-year performance, posting a 45.04% return as of September 2025. With an expense ratio of 0.15%, FGDL balances cost-efficiency with ethical sourcing. It operates as a grantor trust and holds only physical gold bullion sourced from LBMA-accredited refiners that meet strict standards for environmental responsibility, anti-money laundering practices, and human rights compliance. The fund’s modest 3-month average daily volume of 41,800 and $262.6 million in assets under management reflect its niche appeal. Launched on June 30, 2022 by Franklin Templeton, FGDL offers investors a values-driven alternative to traditional gold ETFs while maintaining direct exposure to gold’s price movements.

Most Traded Gold ETF 2025: SPDR GLD Delivers Liquidity and Legacy Performance

The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) remains the most actively traded gold ETF in the U.S. market, with a staggering three-month average daily volume of over 10 million shares. Over the past year, it posted a 44.12% return, supported by its deep liquidity and broad investor base. With an expense ratio of 0.40% and $114.4 billion in assets under management, GLD offers unmatched scale and accessibility. Launched on November 18, 2004 by State Street, it tracks the LBMA Gold Price and is designed to mirror the value of physical gold bullion. As the oldest and most popular gold ETF, GLD continues to be the go-to choice for traders and institutions seeking fast execution and reliable exposure to gold.