Best Gold and Silver ETFs of 2025: Should You Buy Today?

Gold and silver ETFs are outperforming the S&P 500 index. But do these precious metals deserve a place in your investment portfolio? We provide a list of the best precious metals ETFs by 2025 performance, as well as the benefits and risks that investors need to know before buying these funds. 

The best gold and silver ETFs of 2025 stand out due to exceptional performance, low expense ratios, and reliable tracking of precious metals’ prices. Here are the top options across global and key regional markets as of July 2025:

Best Gold ETFs of 2025

  • SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)

    • 1-Year Return: 43.90%

    • Expense Ratio: 0.10%

    • Notes: Best performing gold ETF, tracks physical gold, high liquidity, and cost-effective for retail investors (12).

  • iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM)

    • 1-Year Return: 43.86%

    • Expense Ratio: 0.09%

    • Notes: Nearly matches GLDM in returns, with the lowest expense ratio among major gold ETFs (1).

  • abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL)

    • 1-Year Return: 43.81%

    • Expense Ratio: 0.17%

    • Notes: Holds physical gold, stable option for direct gold exposure (1).

  • GraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR)

    • 1-Year Return: 43.79%

    • Expense Ratio: 0.17%

    • Notes: Popular for low cost and strong 2025 performance  (1).

  • SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

    • 1-Year Return: 38.56%

    • Assets Under Management: $101B+

    • Notes: Largest and most liquid gold ETF globally, directly tracks spot gold (23).

  • iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

    • 1-Year Return: 38.79%

    • AUM: $47B+

    • Notes: Reliable, cost-effective alternative for direct bullion exposure (2).

Best Silver ETFs of 2025

  • UTI Silver ETF

    • 2025 YTD Return: 32.84%

    • Notes: Top performing silver ETF; notable in Asia for physical tracking and best gains in 2025 (45).

  • Aditya Birla Sun Life Silver ETF

    • 2025 YTD Return: 31.8%+

    • Notes: Indian market leader; strong physical silver tracking  (45).

  • Axis Silver ETF

    • 2025 YTD Return: 31.8%+

    • Notes: Consistently high returns among Asian silver ETFs  (45).

  • abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR)

    • YTD Gain: 16.7% (as of March 2025)

    • Expense Ratio: 0.30%

    • Notes: Major US-listed physically backed silver ETF (6).

  • iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

    • YTD Gain: 16.6% (Mar 2025) | AUM: $14.9B

    • Expense Ratio: 0.50%

    • Notes: The largest and most traded US silver ETF; closely tracks silver spot prices (67).

  • Sprott Silver Miners and Physical Silver Fund

    • Total Return since Jan 2025: 24.98%

    • Notes: Combines silver miners and physical silver, new for 2025 with diversified exposure (8).

Additional Highly Ranked Gold/Silver ETFs (Global, Europe, Australia):

  • VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX): Offers leverage to gold prices via mining stocks (38.94% one-year return) (29).

  • WisdomTree Physical Gold / Invesco Physical Silver ETCs: Cheapest European physically backed options for direct precious metal exposure (1011).

  • Global X Physical Gold (ASX:GOLD), Perth Mint Gold (Australia): Leading physical gold ETFs for Asia-Pacific investors (129).

Key trends driving these performances:

  • Gold and silver prices hit record highs in H1 2025, driven by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and central bank buying.

  • Silver outperformed gold on average, supported by both investment demand and industrial usage45.

  • Physically backed ETFs and those with low expense ratios are consistently the top performers globally (162).

When choosing, prioritize low-cost funds with high liquidity and strong tracking of physical bullion if your goal is pure metal exposure. Gold miner and silver miner ETFs offer leveraged returns but come with higher volatility.

These leading ETFs represent the top choices for gold and silver exposure worldwide as of July 2025.


Should You Buy Today? Will Gold or Silver ETFs Go Up Tomorrow?

Here is a tactical, trade-focused recommendation for both gold and silver ETFs as of July 31, 2025. This approach is designed for short-term traders seeking risk-managed entry and exit strategies based on recent price action, key levels, and prevailing momentum.

Tactical Trade Recommendation: Gold & Silver ETFs (July 31, 2025)

1. Gold ETF (e.g., SPDR Gold Shares - GLD, iShares Gold Trust - IAU)

Current Setup:

  • Gold is under pressure, trading at $3,295–$3,301/oz, fighting to hold above $3,285–$3,245 support.

  • Outflows and lower highs point to bearish near-term sentiment.

  • Technical momentum is weak, but oversold short-term indicators are emerging as price approaches key support.

Trade Plan:

  • Wait for confirmation of support: Only consider a buy if gold convincingly holds above $3,245 and displays a bounce (e.g., strong intraday green candle, reversal pattern on hourly chart, or a surge in ETF inflows).

  • Entry Zone: $3,250–$3,285, but only if you see confirmation of a bottom and improving relative strength (RSI > 35 on 4hr/1hr, or positive volume spike).

  • Target: $3,350–$3,420 for a tactical swing; consider partial profit near $3,350 and trail the remainder. If global risk-off headlines hit, a test of $3,505 is possible, but do not count on it without a catalyst.

  • Stop-Loss: Close trade if gold closes below $3,245 on strong volume or fails to reclaim $3,250 quickly (tight 1–1.5% max loss).

  • Alternative: If $3,245 fails, stand aside. Look to buy lower (possibly $3,180–$3,200 zone) or wait for momentum to flip back above $3,285.

2. Silver ETF (e.g., iShares Silver Trust - SLV, Aberdeen Physical Silver Shares - SIVR)

Current Setup:

  • Silver is soft, trading near $36.70, having broken short-term trendline support after an epic run.

  • Immediate supports are $36.30 and $35.34; oversold readings are mounting but not extreme.

  • Momentum is fading, and rallies may be capped below $37.30.

Trade Plan:

  • Aggressive entry: Consider nibbling near $36.30 with a tight stop if you see an intraday reversal (e.g., hammer candle, RSI bounce above 30 on the 1hr/4hr chart).

  • Conservative entry: Wait for $35.34–$35.50 support zone to be tested and a bounce to be confirmed with above-average volume.

  • Target: $36.90–$37.20 short-term; scale out above $37 if price stalls near resistance.

  • Stop-Loss: Exit if silver closes below $35.30, or if price bounces fail quickly and momentum remains negative (keep risk tight, <2%).

  • Alternative: Skip the trade if the metal continues making lower lows without reversal signals—do not try to catch a falling knife without confirmation.

Risk Management & Position Sizing

  • Size positions modestly: Both metals are in vulnerable spots. Do not over-leverage; treat these as test positions and add only if price action confirms a trend reversal.

  • Monitor catalysts: Any significant headlines (Fed moves, geopolitical shocks, USD reversal) during Asia/Europe/US sessions may trigger sudden volatility.

  • Timeframe: Review the trade within 1–3 trading days; close quickly if the momentum does not follow through or if technicals break down.

Summary Table — Tactical Recommendations

  • Buy Gold ETF: Only on bounce confirmation above $3,245; initial target $3,350; stop on break below $3,245.

  • Buy Silver ETF: Consider near $36.30 if reversal signal; better entry $35.34–$35.50; target $36.90+; stop below $35.30.

Bottom Line:
Wait for confirmation of a reversal at support before buying. Respect your stop-loss. In the absence of a clear turnaround, patience is preferable—a better entry may present itself soon. These setups focus on risk-limited, event-driven tactical trades suited for short-term movement over the next 1–3 trading days.


Sources:

  1. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/best-gold-etfs
  2. https://www.investing.com/academy/etfs/top-gold-etfs/
  3. https://www.morningstar.com/funds/digging-gold-with-etfs
  4. https://www.angelone.in/news/silver-etfs-jump-30-percent-as-of-july-2025-as-metal-hits-all-time-high
  5. https://economictimes.com/mf/analysis/silver-etfs-jump-31-in-2025-as-metal-hits-all-time-high-should-you-bet-on-this-rally/articleshow/122856579.cms
  6. https://www.etf.com/sections/etf-basics/best-precious-metals-etfs-performance
  7. https://www.bullionstandard.com/blog/what-are-the-best-gold-and-silver-ETFs
  8. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/10-silver-etfs-every-investing-style-2025
  9. https://investingnews.com/top-asx-gold-etfs/
  10. https://www.justetf.com/en/how-to/silver-etfs.html
  11. https://www.justetf.com/en/how-to/gold-etfs.html
  12. https://blog.stockspot.com.au/best-gold-etfs/
  13. https://www.angelone.in/news/best-gold-etfs-in-india-in-august-2025
  14. https://etfdb.com/etfs/commodity/silver/
  15. https://www.justetf.com/en/market-overview/the-best-etfs.html
  16. https://www.etf.com/topics/silver
  17. https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/best-performing-etfs
  18. https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2025/Jul/27/best-ways-to-invest-in-gold-that-hit-record-highs-in-h1
  19. https://etfdb.com/etfs/commodity/gold/
  20. https://www.tipranks.com/compare-etfs/silver-etfs

Disclaimer

The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial, investment, or medical advice. The figures, rankings, and projections are based on publicly available data, company reports, financial analyst recommendations and industry estimates as of 2025. 

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, One Day Advisor and the article’s authors do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any particular purpose. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently and consult qualified professionals before making any business, investment, or healthcare decisions based on the information provided.

The article may reference ongoing developments, regulatory actions, or market events that are subject to change. One Day Advisor is not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.


Related: 

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