Top Gold ETFs to Watch for 2026: Best Picks for Strong Returns and Low Costs
2025 was an extraordinary year for precious metals, with gold surging ~70% to record highs near $4,500 per ounce. Entering 2026, fundamentals remain bullish: ongoing geopolitical risks, central bank buying, potential further rate cuts, and persistent industrial tailwinds (especially for silver) suggest continued upside potential, though volatility and pullbacks are likely after 2025's rally. Precious metals ETFs offer convenient exposure—physical for direct price tracking, miners for amplified gains. Here are the standout gold ETFs heading into 2026, combining physically backed funds and miner-focused options (which posted triple-digit returns in 2025). Top gold ETFs span U.S., European, and Chinese markets, providing options for physical gold exposure or leveraged mining plays. Credit: Goldprice.org U.S. Gold ETFs U.S. gold ETFs remain dominant, with physical funds like GLD and IAU offering stability, while mining ETFs like GDX provide amplified returns amid expanding miner margi...