Top 10 Precious Metal ETFs for 2025

Based on year-to-date (YTD) performance as of October 2025, here are the top 10 precious metal ETFs. These focus on commodity-tracking funds (physical or futures-based), ranked by YTD returns. Miners and leveraged ETFs are excluded, as they represent different strategies. Performance figures are approximate and reflect the underlying metal's price movements minus expenses. Key metrics include ticker, name, primary metal(s), YTD return, AUM, expense ratio, valuation and recommendation to buy, hold or sell.

As we enter Q4 2025, gold prices have rallied way above $4,000 per ounce, with analysts forecasting potential climbs above $4,100 by year-end amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, and economic uncertainty. Silver, often called "gold's little brother," has rallied above $50 per ounce, driven by industrial demand in solar and electronics, with projections for prices to reach $$55 per ounce by the end of October and potentially higher into November.

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX)

• YTD Performance: +90–135% (predicted range for October 2025) (TradingView)
• Core gold miners index; updated data shows explosive growth on metal prices. 
• Primary Metal(s): Gold
• AUM: ~$23 B (estimated, based on historical size and 2025 inflows) 
• Expense Ratio: 0.51%
• 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).
• Note: The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gold in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 12.16%.
• Valuation: P/E ratio of 34 suggests that the ETF may be overvalued (GuruFocus).
• Recommendation: Consider a Hold or Small Dip-Buy, Not a Full Aggressive Entry
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected time frame: 3-6 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.

  

2. iShares Silver Trust (SLV)

• YTD Performance: 60 - 73% (predicted range for October 2025) (TradingView)
• Primary Metal(s): Silver
• AUM: $24.3B
• Expense Ratio: 0.50%
• Notes: 
• The largest and most traded US silver ETF; closely tracks silver spot prices.
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of silver in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 8% to 9%.
• Final Recommendation: Consider a Hold or Small Dip-Buy, Not a Full Aggressive Entry
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 12 months

Note: Silver itself does not have a P/E ratio because it is a physical commodity, not a company.

3. abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT)

• Primary Metal(s): Platinum
• YTD Performance: ~84% (TradingView)
• AUM: ~$2.1 B
• Expense Ratio: 0.60%
• Note: Direct platinum exposure; industrial demand boosts performance. 
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 12 months

4. Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)

• YTD Performance: 110 - 120% (predicted range for October 2025) (TradingView)
• Primary Metal(s): Silver
• AUM: ~$3.9 B (estimated, based on historical data and sector growth) 
• Expense Ratio: 0.65%
• Rationale: Silver miners benefit from industrial and precious metal demand, but lower AUM and slightly weaker performance than GDX place it third. 
• Valuation Assessment: Overvalued. Miners' P/E ~28x (vs. peer average 20x); 0.8% NAV premium signals short-term froth, though liquidity supports quick exits.
• Final recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected time frame: 3-6 months (targeting continued gold rally into year-end amid economic uncertainty)

5. GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM)

• YTD Return: 78%
• Primary Metal(s): Platinum
• AUM: $150M
• Expense Ratio: 0.50%
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 12 months
• Note: The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of platinum in USD over the past 10 years has been approximately around 4%–5%.

6. SIVR - abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF

• Primary Metal(s): Silver
• YTD Performance: 60 - 73% (predicted range for October 2025)
• AUM: $1.6B
• Expense Ratio: 0.30% 
• Notes: 
• Lower AUM as compared to SLV but with lower expense ratio.
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of silver in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 8% to 9%.
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 12 months

7. iShares Gold Trust (IAU)

• YTD Performance: +45 - 50% (predicted range for October 2025) 
• 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. 
• Final recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected time frame: Hold for 6 months (serving as a safe-haven hedge amid ongoing market volatility)
• Notes: 
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gold in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 12.16%.
• According to an analysis by Visual Capitalist, gold delivered a 10.9% average annual return over the 25-year period from 2000 through July 2025.

8. DBP - Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund

• Primary Metal(s): Gold & Silver (futures)
• YTD Return: 50%
• AUM: $238M
• Expense Ratio: 0.77%
• Notes: 
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gold in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 12.16%.
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of silver in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 8% to 9%.
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 3-6 months

9. GLDM - SPDR Gold MiniShares

• Primary Metal(s): Gold
• YTD Return: 45%
• AUM: $12B
• Expense Ratio: 0.10%
• Notes: The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gold in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 12.16%.
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 12 months

10. GLTR - abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket ETF

• Primary Metal(s): Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
• YTD Return: 50%
• AUM: $1.3B
• Expense Ratio: 0.60%
• Notes: 
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gold in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 12.16%.
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of silver in USD over the past 10 years is approximately 8% to 9%.
• The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of platinum in USD over the past 10 years has been approximately around 4%–5%.
• Final Recommendation: Hold
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected Timeframe: 3-6 months

Conclusion

Gold remains a safe-haven asset, while diversified basket ETFs offer broader exposure. Silver and platinum ETFs are outperforming other asset classes, fuelled by strong industrial demand and supply constraints, particularly in electronics and solar sectors. Investors should assess liquidity, fees, and tax implications, as physical ETFs may qualify for long-term capital gains treatment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 

Consider your risk appetite and consult a financial advisor, as prices could pull back if interest rates stabilize or industrial demand softens. Recent above-average returns in precious metals may indicate potential overvaluation, suggesting a hold rather than buy recommendation.

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, 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.

References: 

1. Best Gold and Silver ETFs of 2025: Should You Buy Today?
2. Top 10 Stocks and ETFs Poised to Outperform in October 2025
3. Top Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP ETFs to Watch in October 2025: Updated Performance, AUM, and Investment Insights