Gold ETFs Shine as Prices Decline
Gold prices skyrocketed in 2025, rising by 65% compared to the beginning of the year. This marked the best annual gain for gold in over four decades, with prices even surpassing the $4,000 mark for the first time.
However, 2026 has been a different story so far. Despite starting strong and clearing the $5,000 mark, gold prices have since declined due to a rising U.S. dollar, increasing Treasury yields, and international central-bank selling.
The article discusses exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a way for investors to gain exposure to gold without having to physically hold it. The author highlights three ETFs that are worth considering: the iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM), the iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (RING), and the Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP).
The iShares Gold Trust Micro is a physical gold ETF with low fees, charging an annual expense ratio of 0.09%. The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF provides exposure to gold mining companies, which can be more volatile than gold itself but offer the potential for leveraged returns.
The Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund intentionally exposes investors to multiple precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum.