The Best Gold ETFs For Singapore Investors

Here are some of the top-performing gold ETFs in 2025.

1. SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)

SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) is the largest and most liquid gold ETF globally, with over US$160 billion in assets under management as of early 2026. It’s designed to give investors direct exposure to the price of gold and is backed entirely by physical gold bullion stored in secure vaults.

GLD’s scale and liquidity make it a popular choice among both retail and institutional investors, particularly those using gold as a hedge against inflation or market risk. However, this comes at a higher cost, with an expense ratio of about 0.40%, which is more expensive than some other physically backed gold ETFs.

Even so, GLD remains a relatively cost-effective alternative to owning physical gold when factoring in storage, insurance, and ease of trading.

2. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

iShares Gold Trust (IAU) offers investors a straightforward way to gain direct exposure to the price of gold. Structurally, it’s very similar to SPDR Gold Trust, as it’s backed entirely by physical gold bullion held in secure vaults and is designed to closely track spot gold prices, before fees.

One of IAU’s main advantages is cost. With an expense ratio of around 0.25%, it is cheaper than larger peers like GLD, making it a more cost-efficient option for long-term investors who prioritise lower ongoing fees. This can be especially appealing for those using gold as a strategic allocation rather than a short-term trading instrument.

While IAU is smaller and slightly less liquid than GLD, it still provides sufficient trading volume for most retail investors. Overall, it serves as a practical alternative for those seeking physical gold exposure at a lower cost, without the challenges of owning and storing gold directly.

3. abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

The abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) provides direct exposure to gold by holding physical gold bullion. What sets it apart is its focus on responsible sourcing: the fund only holds London Good Delivery bars refined on or after 1 January 2012, in line with the London Bullion Market Association’s Responsible Gold Guidance.

SGOL is also one of the more cost-efficient physically backed gold ETFs, with a relatively low expense ratio of around 0.17%. This combination of responsible sourcing and lower fees makes it an appealing option for investors seeking physical gold exposure with an added sustainability consideration.

4. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) provides exposure to the world’s largest gold mining companies by market capitalisation. Its portfolio is led by major global miners such as Agnico Eagle Mines, Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, and Gold Fields, giving investors access to established industry leaders rather than smaller, higher-risk producers.

The fund is relatively concentrated, with its top 10 holdings accounting for just over half of total assets. This structure offers greater exposure to large, well-capitalised mining companies, making GDX more suitable for investors who prioritise scale and operational stability over broad diversification.

With an expense ratio of around 0.51%, GDX offers a cost-effective way to gain equity-based exposure to gold through leading mining stocks, though returns may be more volatile than those of physically backed gold ETFs.

5. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ)

The VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) focuses on smaller and mid-sized gold mining companies, including some that are still in the exploration or early production stages. This gives the fund greater upside potential, as successful junior miners can grow production more rapidly than established industry leaders.

However, that potential comes with a higher risk. Smaller mining companies tend to be more sensitive to factors such as rising costs, project delays, and operational setbacks, which can lead to sharper price swings compared to larger miners.

GDXJ holds over 100 stocks, providing broad exposure across the junior mining space. Its top holdings include Pan American Silver, Coeur Mining, Alamos Gold, Equinox Gold, and Royal Gold. The ETF has an expense ratio of around 0.51%, making it a reasonably priced option for investors seeking higher-growth, higher-volatility exposure to gold and silver mining stocks.

6. Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL)

The Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF (FGDL) provides direct exposure to gold by holding physical gold bullion sourced from accredited refiners. The fund applies responsible sourcing standards that take into account environmental practices, anti–money laundering measures, and human rights considerations.

FGDL also stands out for its low cost, with an expense ratio of around 0.15%, making it one of the more cost-efficient options among physically backed gold ETFs.

7. Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF

The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) offers direct exposure to gold through physical gold bullion held in secure vaults, with custody provided by JPMorgan Chase’s London branch. Its structure is similar to other physically backed gold ETFs designed to closely track the price of gold.

AAAU stands out for its relatively low cost, with an expense ratio of around 0.18%, making it a more cost-efficient alternative to larger, higher-fee gold ETFs.

Gold ETFs are investment funds that aim to track the price of gold, allowing investors to gain exposure to gold's price movements without the need to own physical gold. 

Here are two types of gold ETFs available:

• Physical gold ETFs: These ETFs are backed by physical gold bullion, which is stored in secure vaults. This type of ETF closely mirrors the price of gold.

• Gold mining ETFs: These ETFs invest in the shares of companies involved in gold mining. Their performance is linked to the profitability of these companies, which is influenced by gold prices.

Gold ETFs offer several benefits:

• Liquidity: Gold ETFs can be easily bought and sold on stock exchanges, providing greater flexibility compared to physical gold.

• Cost-effectiveness: Investing in gold ETFs often involves lower transaction costs compared to buying and storing physical gold.

• Diversification: Gold ETFs can provide a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, diversifying your investment portfolio.

However, there are also considerations to keep in mind when investing in ETFs:

• Expense ratios: These are the annual fees charged by the ETF, which can impact your long-term returns.

• Storage and insurance costs: For physically backed ETFs, these costs are factored into the expense ratio.

• Market risks: Like any investment, gold prices can be volatile, influenced by global economic factors and investor sentiment.

>> MORE: How to add gold to your investment portfolio in Singapore

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