Market Volatility: Investors Are Seeking Safety in Gold ETFs. Is It Working?

Investors are piling into global gold ETFs for a safe haven from uncertainty. Demand surged in the first half of 2025, according to a new report from the World Gold Council. The industry trade group points to geopolitical turmoil, global trade policies, and higher gold prices for driving interest in these ETFs. The lure of investing in gold ETFs can vary from wanting to diversify a portfolio, hedge against inflation risks, or simply bet on rising prices. Bryan Armour explains what you should know about this speculative asset. He’s the director of ETF and passive strategies research for North America at Morningstar Research Services.

 

On this episode:

What are gold ETFs, how many types are there, and how do they work? 

The World Gold Council says there was strong demand for global gold ETFs in the first half of 2025. How much money has flowed in and out of these ETFs, and what’s your take on that?

How have gold ETFs held up against market volatility in 2025? How does it compare with other periods of uncertainty? 

Let’s talk about your recent article about how to choose the right gold ETFs. You pointed out that a two-month launch difference helped create a big gap in assets between the two largest gold ETFs. Can you talk about the rivalry between SPDR Gold Shares GLD and iShares Gold Trust IAU?

You listed those two ETFs and several others as top gold ETFs in your article. What makes one of these ETFs different from the other? 

What should investors zoom in on to find the right ETF for them? 

How do trading costs affect buy-and-hold investors and day traders differently?

The IRS applies a different tax treatment to gold than stocks or bonds. What should investors know? 

What are the best gold ETFs, and why?

Let’s quickly pivot to another speculative asset. People sometimes refer to bitcoin as digital gold. Is that a fair comparison? How has it performed so far this year?

Would you say gold ETFs or bitcoin has served as a better hedge?

Read about topics from this episode.  

Digging for Gold With ETFs 

5 Tips for Trading ETFs 

How to Use Gold in Your Portfolio 

Commodities vs. Gold: Which Is the Better Inflation Hedge? 

3 ETFs to Diversify Your Portfolio 

Diversification Landscape: Building Diversified Portfolios

Morningstar′s Guide to ETF Investing 

 

What to watch from Morningstar. 
Why Bonds Belong in Your Diversified Portfolio (Even Now) 

Covered-Call ETFs Are Booming. But Not All Yield Is Good

This Dividend Investing Strategy Deserves a Second Look

Market Volatility: Is Your Investment Portfolio Ready for a US-EU Trade Deal?

 

Read what our team is writing.

Bryan Armour

Ivanna Hampton

 

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