Average Daily Volume
10.07M
Fund Overview
The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) is one of the largest and most liquid gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the world. It is designed to track the price of gold bullion, providing investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to gain exposure to the precious metal without the need for physical storage. GLD holds physical gold bars stored in secure vaults, and each share represents a fractional ownership of these holdings. The fund is widely used by both institutional and retail investors as a hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic uncertainty. GLD is highly liquid, with tight bid-ask spreads, making it an attractive option for traders and long-term investors alike.
- Asset Class
-
Commodity
- Industry
-
N/A
- Annual Dividend Rate
-
- Smart Beta
-
No
- Leveraged / Inverse
-
N/A / No
- Dividend Quality - Yield
-
- N/A
- Currency Hedged
-
No
- Portfolio Turnover
-
0 %
- Dividend Date
-
Our Sector Rotation Algorithm Makes the Difference
SectorSurfer pairs the power of a true sector rotation algorithm to own momentum leaders in Bull Markets with a defensive algorithm that invokes a Bear Market strategy to protect and grow your assets during downturns.
Boost returns by holding only momentum leaders
Choose from hundreds of ready-to-use strategies
Create custom strategies that fit your needs
Automatic trade signals with email alerts
Why Invest in the GLD ETF?
Potential Benefits
- Provides direct exposure to the price of gold without the complexities of physical ownership.
- Highly liquid with tight bid-ask spreads, making it easy to trade.
- Acts as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
- Backed by physical gold stored in secure vaults, ensuring transparency and security.
- Low expense ratio compared to actively managed precious metals funds.
Potential Risks
- Gold prices can be volatile, influenced by macroeconomic factors and investor sentiment.
- Does not generate income like dividend-paying stocks or bonds.
- Storage and insurance costs, though embedded in the expense ratio, can impact returns.
- Regulatory changes or taxation policies could affect the fund's performance.
- Competition from other gold ETFs may lead to fee compression or reduced market share.
Histogram
MACD
Signal
Base Line
RSI data unavailable or insufficient history.
RSI (14)
Overbought (70)
Oversold (30)
Monthly Returns (%)
| Year |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| 2025 |
+6.8%
|
+1.8%
|
+9.4%
|
+5.4%
|
-0.1%
|
+0.4%
|
+0.8%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
| 2024 |
-1.4%
|
+0.5%
|
+8.7%
|
+3.0%
|
+1.6%
|
-0.1%
|
+5.4%
|
+2.1%
|
+5.1%
|
+4.3%
|
-3.1%
|
-1.4%
|
| 2023 |
+5.8%
|
-5.4%
|
+7.9%
|
+0.9%
|
-1.3%
|
-2.2%
|
+2.3%
|
-1.3%
|
-4.8%
|
+7.4%
|
+2.5%
|
+1.3%
|
| 2022 |
-1.7%
|
+6.1%
|
+1.3%
|
-2.1%
|
-3.3%
|
-1.6%
|
-2.6%
|
-2.9%
|
-2.9%
|
-1.8%
|
+8.5%
|
+2.9%
|
| 2021 |
-3.2%
|
-6.3%
|
-1.1%
|
+3.6%
|
+7.7%
|
-7.1%
|
+2.5%
|
-0.1%
|
-3.2%
|
+1.5%
|
-0.7%
|
+3.3%
|
| 2020 |
+4.5%
|
-0.6%
|
-0.2%
|
+7.3%
|
+2.6%
|
+2.7%
|
+10.8%
|
-0.3%
|
-4.2%
|
-0.5%
|
-5.4%
|
+7.0%
|
| 2019 |
+2.9%
|
-0.6%
|
-1.6%
|
-0.7%
|
+1.8%
|
+8.0%
|
0.0%
|
+7.9%
|
-3.4%
|
+2.6%
|
-3.2%
|
+3.7%
|
| 2018 |
+3.2%
|
-2.1%
|
+0.6%
|
-1.0%
|
-1.2%
|
-3.6%
|
-2.2%
|
-2.1%
|
-0.7%
|
+2.1%
|
+0.3%
|
+4.9%
|
| 2017 |
+5.4%
|
+3.2%
|
-0.4%
|
+1.7%
|
-0.1%
|
-2.2%
|
+2.3%
|
+4.2%
|
-3.4%
|
-0.7%
|
+0.4%
|
+2.1%
|
| 2016 |
+5.4%
|
+10.9%
|
-0.8%
|
+5.1%
|
-6.1%
|
+9.0%
|
+2.0%
|
-3.3%
|
+0.7%
|
-2.9%
|
-8.4%
|
-1.9%
|
< -5%
-5% to -2%
-2% to 0%
0%
0% to +2%
+2% to +5%
> +5%
Top Holdings (by weight)
| Symbol |
Company Name |
Weight |
No holdings data available.
Related ETFs: GLD vs Peers
Comparison highlights key differences on cost, coverage, and focus within sector ETFs.
Investment Strategy
GLD is designed to track the price of gold bullion by holding physical gold bars in allocated accounts. The fund does not engage in active management or derivatives; instead, it relies on direct ownership of gold to mirror its performance. The gold bars are stored in secure vaults, and the fund's holdings are audited regularly to ensure transparency. GLD's structure allows for the creation and redemption of shares by authorized participants, which helps maintain the fund's liquidity and alignment with the spot price of gold. The fund's expense ratio covers storage, insurance, and administrative costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GLD backed by physical gold?
Yes, GLD holds physical gold bars stored in secure vaults, providing direct exposure to the price of gold.
How does GLD differ from gold mining ETFs?
GLD tracks the price of physical gold, while gold mining ETFs invest in companies involved in gold extraction, which are subject to equity market risks and operational factors.
What are the main drivers of GLD's performance?
GLD's performance is tied to the spot price of gold, influenced by inflation expectations, currency movements, geopolitical stability, and investor demand for safe-haven assets.
Can I take physical delivery of gold with GLD?
No, GLD does not allow for physical delivery of gold. Investors must sell their shares on the open market to realize gains.
How does GLD's expense ratio compare to other gold ETFs?
GLD's expense ratio is competitive but slightly higher than some alternatives like IAU or SGOL, which may appeal to cost-sensitive investors.
Industry Overview
Investing in gold has long been considered a safe-haven strategy, particularly during times of economic uncertainty, inflation, or market volatility. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) offers investors a way to gain exposure to gold without the logistical challenges of physical ownership. Gold is often viewed as a store of value and a hedge against currency devaluation, making it a popular choice for portfolio diversification. The precious metals ETF sector includes various options, but GLD stands out due to its size, liquidity, and established track record. Gold's performance is influenced by factors such as central bank policies, geopolitical tensions, and global demand for safe-haven assets.
Alternative Comparison
Compared to other gold ETFs like IAU and SGOL, GLD offers superior liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, making it a preferred choice for active traders. However, IAU and SGOL have slightly lower expense ratios, which may appeal to cost-conscious long-term investors. Unlike gold mining ETFs such as GDX, which are exposed to equity market risks and company-specific factors, GLD provides pure exposure to the price of gold. Additionally, GLD's physical replication method contrasts with some competitors that use futures contracts or other derivatives.
Issuer Overview
The SPDR Gold Trust is issued by State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), one of the largest asset managers in the world. SSGA is known for its extensive lineup of ETFs, including the widely followed SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The firm has a strong reputation for providing low-cost, transparent, and liquid investment products. SSGA's expertise in commodity-backed ETFs ensures that GLD is well-managed and adheres to strict regulatory standards.
Conclusion
The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) is a cornerstone investment for those seeking exposure to gold. Its combination of liquidity, transparency, and direct physical backing makes it a reliable choice for both short-term traders and long-term investors. While gold's price volatility and lack of income generation are considerations, GLD remains a powerful tool for diversification and hedging against economic uncertainty. Investors should weigh its benefits against alternatives like IAU or gold mining ETFs based on their specific goals and risk tolerance.
Boost Your Returns with SectorSurfer
Award-winning investment strategy automation