The Battle of the Gold ETFs: Is AAAU Better Than GLD?

AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) charges less than half the expense ratio of GLD (SPDR Gold Shares). Both ETFs have closely tracked gold prices and delivered nearly identical returns and risk profiles over the past year, making the fee differential the primary distinguishing factor. The lower fee on AAAU could drive modest asset reallocation from GLD but is unlikely to move broader markets.

Analysis

AAAU (Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF) charges less than half the expense ratio of GLD (SPDR Gold Shares). Both ETFs have closely tracked gold prices and delivered nearly identical returns and risk profiles over the past year, making the fee differential the primary distinguishing factor. The lower fee on AAAU could drive modest asset reallocation from GLD but is unlikely to move broader markets.