iShares Gold Trust Micro

IAUM

Market cap $6.6B

Ceasefire optimism, a weaker dollar and cooling oil prices are putting gold ETFs back in focus.

State Street's 2026 Global ETF Outlook revisits its prior-year forecasts and flags a finding most investors glossed over: precious metals returned roughly 50% in 2025, and US precious metals ETFs now hold about $310 billion in assets.

The SPDR Gold Trust ( NYSEARCA :GLD ) is the most popular option on the market, and if you're invested in gold, you likely own it.

Gold's recent decline during geopolitical turmoil is a function of liquidity-driven selling, not a failure of its safe-haven status. Gold underperforms during supply-shock inflation and high real yields, as opportunity costs rise and forced liquidations occur. The current selloff is Phase 2 of a historical pattern; explosive gold recovery (Phase 3) typically follows once liquidity stress abates.

We think the recent correction in gold mining stocks presents a timely buying opportunity. The 2-year yield has risen the most, up a full 50 basis points, reversing the recent inversion at the short end of the curve.

Gold prices enjoyed a steady upward march last year to notch a gain of 70% — the highest annual return in 45 years. After setting 53 straight all-time highs, advisors are rightly asking if the “easy money” has already been made.

Cost is a primary consideration when choosing between gold ETFs. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) and the iShares Gold Trust (IAU) are the most popular.

Gold's rally shows no signs of fading. With rate cuts looming, dollar weakening and bullish forecasts in sight, here are the ETFs that investors can use to ride the trend.

Gold's 54% surge puts ETFs like GLD in focus as investors seek refuge from market volatility and rising macro risks.

A weaker dollar, rate-cut bets and persistent uncertainty are fueling gold's rally, lifting demand for ETFs like GLD and GDX.