There are multiple ways for investors to gain exposure to gold, and the most efficient approach for retail investors is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with gold as their underlying asset. Some funds invest directly in physical gold, while others manage a portfolio of gold-related stocks. Bankrate selected its top funds based on the following criteria: U.S. funds that appear in ETF.com’s screener for gold or materials ETFs, assets under management of at least $900 million, and expense ratios under 0.60 percent. Here are the top gold ETFs with their five-year annual return:
SPDR Gold Trust (GLD): 7.6 %
iShares Gold Trust (IAU): 7.7 %
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX): 8.5 %
VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ): 3.9 %
GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR): 7.8 %