3 Gold ETFs You Should Be Buying Today

Gold shines as a compelling investment amid looming uncertainty. President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, set to launch tomorrow, threaten trade disruptions, potentially spiking inflation and weakening the dollar—conditions where gold historically thrives as a safe haven. With global tensions simmering and markets bracing for volatility, gold’s role as a hedge against economic chaos is more relevant than ever. Spot prices, hovering near $3,162 per ounce—an all-time high—reflect growing demand with even more room for growth.

Opting to buy gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over individual stocks offers distinct advantages. They provide broad exposure to gold prices without the risks tied to specific mining companies, such as operational setbacks or poor management. ETFs also boast lower costs, high liquidity, and simplicity—no need to pick winners in a volatile sector. For stability in turbulent times, ETFs are the smarter play, and the three gold ETFs below represent your best bets in the sector.

24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• Gold is seen as a hedge against inflation and uncertainty in the global economy, two key factors at play today.
• With President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs set to go into effect on April 2, trade turmoil could cause inflation to rise markedly over the next year.
• Gold ETFs are a smart way to bet on gold prices going higher, providing a low-cost, accessible means of playing the sector.
• If you’re looking for stocks with huge potential, grab a free copy of our brand-new “The Next NVIDIA” report. It features a software stock we’re confident has 10X potential.

SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD)

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (NYSEARCA:GLD) is the world’s largest physically backed gold ETF and a premier investment choice in the space. GLD tracks the price of gold bullion, offering a direct play on this safe-haven asset without the hassle of physical ownership. Each share represents a fractional interest in that bullion. The trust’s sole assets are gold bullion and, occasionally, cash. Managed by State Street Advisors (NYSE:STT), the fund exchanges blocks of shares for gold bullion to keep the ETF price roughly in line with gold’s spot price, though intraday divergences can occur.

With a low expense ratio of 0.40% and high liquidity—averaging 6 million shares traded daily—GLD is a cost-effective and accessible option. It eliminates the complexities of physical storage, insurance, or finding a buyer. Unlike gold mining stocks, GLD avoids company-specific risks, focusing solely on gold’s value. With $91.5 billion in assets, it’s a trusted vehicle. As trade wars loom and volatility spikes, GLD offers a reliable hedge, blending safety with simplicity for today’s jittery market.

GLD stock is up 19% in 2025 versus a 5% loss by the S&P 500. Over the past year, it has gained 42%.

iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

The iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU) is another excellent option, mirroring the price of gold bullion with an even lower expense ratio of just 0.25%. Like GLD, it’s a straightforward way to tap into gold’s enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset. With $41.7 billion in assets and over 10 million shares traded daily, IAU ensures robust liquidity. Its bullion is stored in the London offices of JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM). The ETF tracks gold prices closely, with only slight underperformance due to its minimal fees.

In today’s uncertain market, IAU shines as a prudent, accessible choice. Its performance aligns almost identically with GLD, making it a strong contender for investors seeking stability and value.

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ)

For those looking beyond ETFs that track gold’s spot price, funds focused on gold miners offer another avenue. The VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA:GDXJ) targets junior gold mining companies—smaller, growth-oriented firms with higher risk but substantial upside potential. As inflationary pressures and market instability persist, these miners’ prospects improve due to gold’s protective nature. GDXJ provides diversified exposure to these nimble players, avoiding the pitfalls of betting on a single miner’s operational or leadership challenges.

With $5.3 billion in assets and a daily trading volume exceeding 7 million shares, GDXJ’s expense ratio of 0.52% reflects the active management required for this volatile sector. Unlike broad gold ETFs, GDXJ amplifies returns when mining margins expand, making it a bold yet strategic pick. Its top three holdings—each over 6% of the portfolio—are Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI), Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE:HMY), and Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS).

For investors chasing growth alongside safety in uncertain times, GDXJ delivers a potent mix.

These three ETFs—GLD, IAU, and GDXJ—offer distinct ways to capitalize on gold’s strength. Whether you prioritize stability, low costs, or growth potential, they provide smart, accessible options for navigating today’s turbulent markets.