Best Gold ETFs with the Lowest Expense Ratios

FomoAnxiety · 2026-02-27T19:00:58+00:00

Investors are increasingly drawn to gold due to rising prices, but cost-efficiency is vital. This essay highlights two gold ETFs with low expense ratios: SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) at 0.10% and GraniteShares Gold Shares (BAR) at 0.17%, both offering secure, tangible gold investments.

FomoAnxiety

2026-02-27 19:00:58

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It feels like everyone has jumped on the golden bandwagon this year as the precious metal’s price keeps shining. But, if you are going to try and take advantage of that safe haven it probably makes sense to do it as cheaply as possible, right?

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Cost-savvy investors don’t just look at returns or assets under management – they also look at expense ratios.

An ETF’s expense ratio shows how much it costs to operate. The expense ratio is typically expressed as a percentage of a fund’s average net assets and can include various operational costs and annual fees. The cost is taken out of a fund’s return, so it impacts how much an investor can get back in their pockets.

Let’s look at two of the lowest expense ratios in our Best Gold ETFs comparison tool list. The SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) and the GraniteShares Gold Shares ETF (BAR).

GLDM

The SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust is a distinctive exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with an efficient and cost-effective way to access the gold market. Positioned within the Precious Metals category, this fund is specifically focused on gold. What sets GLDM apart is its niche in Physically Held gold, ensuring that each share of the ETF is backed by tangible gold bars stored securely in vaults. This offers investors the reassurance of owning a tangible asset, providing a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.

The GLDM tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM Index. It has $33.66 billion in Assets under Management.

It has an expense ratio of 0.10%.

BAR

GraniteShares Gold Shares (Ticker: BAR) is a premier exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed for investors seeking direct exposure to gold. BAR stands out with its specific focus on gold, catering to those interested in a direct and tangible investment approach within the Physically Held niche. This ETF is backed by actual physical gold bars, securely stored in a vault, providing investors the reassurance of a tangible asset underpinning their investment. It tracks the LBMA Gold Price PM index.

It has $1.82 billion in Assets under Management. It has an expense ratio of 0.17%.

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