Best Gold and Silver ETFs of 2025: Should You Buy Today? (September 2025 Edition)

Gold and silver ETFs have shown strong performance in 2025, surpassing the S&P 500 amid inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and central bank buying. 

This article updates the best-performing gold and silver ETFs based on recent data, including 1-year returns, assets under management (AUM), expense ratios, and key notes, evaluating their pros, cons, and attractiveness in the current market.The best gold and silver ETFs of 2025 are noted for exceptional performance, low expense ratios, and reliable tracking of precious metals’ prices. Returns have adjusted slightly since late August due to recent price movements, but momentum remains strong with gold and silver near record highs.

Here are the top options across global and key regional markets as of September 2025:

Best Gold ETFs of 2025

• VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

  • YTD Performance: +80–115% (reported range for September 2025) (TradingView)
  • AUM: ~$16.5B (estimated, based on historical size and 2025 inflows) 
  • Rationale: Strong performance has been driven by rising gold prices and expanding miner profit margins. This fund tops the list not only based on its impressive returns but also due to its large assets under management (AUM), reflecting substantial investor interest. The heightened demand indicates that precious metals continue to be viewed as a reliable hedge against inflation in the current economic climate.
  • VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is listed on both the NYSE Arca exchange (as GDX) and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) (as GDX.MX).
  • Final recommendation: Buy
  • Confidence Level: High
  • Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (targeting continued gold rally into year-end amid economic uncertainty)

Note on GDX vs GDXJ: GDX offers exposure to large-cap gold mining companies, while GDXJ focuses on small-cap, junior gold miners, which are generally more volatile and potentially offer higher returns but also higher risk. GDX tracks the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, whereas GDXJ follows the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, making GDXJ the more speculative choice for investors seeking higher leverage to the gold price.

• SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)

  • 1-Year Return: 39.2%

  • Assets Under Management: 17.3 B

  • Expense Ratio: 0.10%

  • Notes: Best performing gold ETF, tracks physical gold, high liquidity, and cost-effective for retail investors (1, 2).

• SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

• 1-Year Return: 38.5%

• Assets Under Management: $101B+

• Expense ratio: 0.4%

• Largest and most liquid gold ETF globally, directly tracks spot gold (2, 3).
  

• iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM)

• 1-Year Return: 39.1%

• Assets Under Management: 3.35 B

• 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%

  • Assets Under Management: 5.3 B

  • Expense Ratio: 0.17%

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

• iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

  • 1-Year Return: 40 - 45% (reported range for 2025) (TradingView)
  • YTD Performance: 35 - 40% (reported range for 2025) (TradingView)
  • AUM: ~$30B (estimated, based on historical size and gold’s safe-haven appeal) 
  • Expense Ratio: 0.25%
  • Rationale: Lower returns than gold miners but offers stability as a physical gold ETF. Significant AUM reflects its popularity as a hedge. (https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/VOO/)
  • Final recommendation: Buy
  • Confidence Level: High
  • Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (serving as a safe-haven hedge amid ongoing market volatility)

• GraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR)

• 1-Year Return: 43.79%

• Assets Under Management: 1.1 B

• Expense Ratio: 0.17%

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

Best Silver ETFs of 2025

Silver ETFs have outperformed gold on average in 2025, with YTD gains around 31-32% for top performers, fueled by industrial demand (e.g., solar panels) and investment inflows. Silver's outperformance stems from its dual role as a precious metal and industrial commodity, with demand up 70% in Chinese solar exports.

• abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR)

• YTD Gain: 35.5% (as of September 2025)
• Expense Ratio: 0.30%
• AUM: $2.2B
• Notes: Major US-listed physically backed silver ETF (6). Physically backed with silver stored in U.K. vaults; lower fees and solid tracking of spot prices.

• iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

• YTD Gain: 35.44% (Sep 2025) 

• AUM: $14.9B

• Expense Ratio: 0.50%

• Notes: The largest and most traded US silver ETF; closely tracks silver spot prices (6, 7).

• UTI Silver ETF

• 2025 YTD Return: 41.5%

• Notes: Top performing silver ETF; notable in Asia for physical tracking and best gains in 2025 (4, 5).

• Aditya Birla Sun Life Silver ETF

  • 2025 YTD Return: 31.8%+

  • Notes: Indian market leader; strong physical silver tracking  (4, 5).

• Axis Silver ETF

  • 2025 YTD Return: 31.8%+

  • Notes: Consistently high returns among Asian silver ETFs  (4, 5).

• 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).

•  Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

  • YTD Performance: +54% (reported for 2025) 
  • AUM: ~$1.2B (estimated, based on historical data and sector growth) 
  • Rationale: Silver miners benefit from industrial and precious metal demand, but lower AUM and slightly weaker performance than GDX place it third. 
  • Final recommendation: Buy
  • Confidence Level: High
  • Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 3 months (capitalizing on silver supply deficits and industrial demand surge)

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

• VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX): Offers leverage to gold prices via mining stocks (38.94% one-year return) (2, 9).

• WisdomTree Physical Gold / Invesco Physical Silver ETCs: Cheapest European physically backed options for direct precious metal exposure (10, 11).

• Global X Physical Gold (ASX:GOLD), Perth Mint Gold (Australia): Leading physical gold ETFs for Asia-Pacific investors (12, 9).

• Japan’s largest bank, SBI, has introduced the Digital Gold Crypto ETF, which will allocate 51% to gold and 49% to cryptocurrencies. This structure is reportedly designed to mitigate investment risks through diversification, catering to a growing interest in combining traditional assets with digital currencies. (NewsBTC August 2025)

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 (1, 6, 2).

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.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold and Silver ETFsPros:

• Diversification against stock market volatility.
• Hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
• Easy liquidity and no physical storage needed.
• Strong 2025 performance driven by global demand.

Cons:

• No dividend income (except for miners ETFs).
• Subject to commodity price swings.
• Higher expense ratios for miners can erode returns over time.
• Tax implications on gains.

Should You Buy Today?With gold and silver prices near highs and ongoing economic uncertainties, these ETFs remain attractive for portfolio hedging. Physical ETFs like GLDM and SIVR offer direct exposure with low costs, while miners like GDX and SIL provide amplified returns for risk-tolerant investors. Consider your risk appetite and consult a financial advisor, as prices could pull back if interest rates stabilize or industrial demand softens. Overall, the outlook for precious metals in 2025 remains positive.

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 or investment 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.

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