Top 8 Gold ETFs for 2025: Maximizing Growth and Dividend Income

Gold Miners ETFs: A Path to Enhanced Returns in a Bull Market

Gold has always been the ultimate safe-haven asset, but hear’s the catch: a bar in a vault will never send you a dividend check. Physical bullion doesn’t generate cash flow, doesn’t report earnings, and doesn’t give you the leverage that gold mining stocks do. That’s why, for manny investors, the smarter way to play gold’s momentum is through miners.When gold rallies, mining stocks usually rally harder. They often act like a leveraged version of the metal itself. On top of that, miners report earnings, making valuation more straightforward, and many of them pay dividends, turning a defensive allocation into an income-generating one.In short, for those who wont to ramp up exposure to gold without sacrificing growth or cash flow potential, ETFs focused on gold miners are the most efficient vehicle.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the funds that are delivering the strongest results this year.

1. Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX)

Price as of Sep. 8, 2025: $60.14
Expense Ratio as of Sep. 8, 2025: 0.65%
Annual Dividend Yield as of Sep. 8, 2025: 1.23%
Dividend Frequency: Semi-annually
52‑Week Range as of Sep. 8,2025: $28.79 – $61.14
YTD Return as of Sep. 8, 2025: 106.03%
AUM as of Sep. 8, 2025: $81.93 million

If you’re looking to ride the explosive upside of early-stage gold miners, Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSE: GOEX) stands out as a high-conviction bet in 2025. with a YTD return of 106.03%, it’s cementing its status as one of the year’s top-performing gold miner ETFs.

Yes, the 0.65% expense ratio is higher than that of plain-vanilla index funds,but you’re not paying for average exposure. GOEX targets global gold exploration companies, which are the upstream names that typically rally first when gold prices rise. That makes this ETF a leveraged play on gold’s momentum, without the added risk of futures or single-stock bets.

The flows back up the price action.A decisive ~$5 million inflow in April coincided with a major price breakout, and as then, the buying hasn’t stopped. Steady inflows through July and a fresh ~$3 million surge in early September show that institutional interest is building, not fading. With $10 million in net flows over the past year, it’s obvious that smart money is loading up on this ETF.

At $60.14, GOEX is near its 52-week peak after doubling from a low of $28.79. Add in a 1.23% semi-annual dividend,and you’ve got a supercharged,income-sweetened play on gold’s next leg higher.

2. Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM)

Price as of Sep. 8, 2025: $56.51
Expense Ratio as of Sep. 8, 2025: 0.50%
Annual Dividend Yield as of sep. 8, 2025: 0.55%
Dividend Frequency: Annually
52‑Week Range as of Sep. 8,2025: $26.60 – $56.51
YTD Return as of Sep. 8, 2025: 105.38%
AUM as of Sep.8, 2025: $530.04 million

Want exposure to the gold mining sector with a selective edge? Sprott Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: SGDM) is built for that. With a YTD return of 105.38%, it’s crushing it in 2025. SGDM focuses on top-tier gold miners from the U.S. and Canada, giving you access to fundamentally solid companies.

Its outperformance isn’t happening in a vacuum. Fund flows show that institutional investors are backing this ETF. with $10 million in net flows over the past year, it’s obvious that smart money is loading up on this ETF.At $56.51, SGDM is near its 52-week peak. Add in a 0.55% annual dividend, and you’ve got a well-rounded play on gold’s next leg higher.

What are the potential risks associated with investing in gold mining ETFs like GDX compared to physical gold ETFs like GLD or IAU?

Understanding Gold etfs & Their Appeal

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) offer a convenient and cost-effective way to gain exposure to the gold market without the complexities of physical ownership. These funds typically hold physical gold bullion or gold futures contracts,tracking the spot price of gold. For investors seeking portfolio diversification,a hedge against inflation,or potential capital thankfulness,gold ETFs are a popular choice. In 2025, navigating the landscape of available options requires careful consideration. Factors like expense ratios, tracking error, and liquidity are crucial. Investing in gold through ETFs simplifies the process compared to buying gold bullion or gold coins.

Top 8 Gold ETFs for 2025 – A Detailed Review

Here’s a breakdown of eight leading gold ETFs, assessed for their potential in 2025, focusing on growth and income opportunities. Data as of September 8, 2025.

1. SPDR Gold Trust (GLD): The largest and most liquid gold ETF, GLD holds physical gold bullion.

Expense Ratio: 0.40%

Assets Under Management (AUM): $55.2 Billion

Why it stands out: High liquidity makes it ideal for large trades. its sheer size minimizes tracking error. A core holding for many gold investment portfolios.

Dividend yield: Typically minimal, as GLD focuses on price appreciation.

1. iShares Gold Trust (IAU): A lower-cost alternative to GLD, IAU also holds physical gold.

Expense Ratio: 0.25%

AUM: $32.8 Billion

Why it stands out: Lower expense ratio translates to higher returns over the long term. Excellent tracking of the gold spot price.Suitable for long-term gold holdings.

Dividend Yield: Similar to GLD, minimal.

1. VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX): This ETF invests in companies involved in the gold mining industry.

Expense Ratio: 0.52%

AUM: $14.5 Billion

Why it stands out: Offers leveraged exposure to gold prices – miners’ profits tend to increase significantly when gold prices rise. Potential for higher growth, but also higher volatility. Considered a gold stock ETF.

Dividend Yield: Around 1.8% (as of Sept 8, 2025) – dividends paid by underlying mining companies.

1. VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ): Focuses on smaller, more speculative gold mining companies.

Expense Ratio: 0.65%

AUM: $6.2 Billion

why it stands out: Higher growth potential than GDX, but also significantly higher risk. Suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance. A play on exploration and development in the gold mining sector.

Dividend Yield: Variable, typically lower than GDX.

1. Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL): another physically-backed gold ETF, known for its competitive pricing.

Expense Ratio: 0.17%

AUM: $8.7 Billion

Why it stands out: One of the lowest expense ratios available. Clear structure – each share represents a specific amount of physical gold. Good for physical gold exposure.

Dividend Yield: Minimal.

1. Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM): A relatively new ETF focusing on gold mining companies with a focus on royalty and streaming companies.

Expense Ratio: 0.50%

AUM: $2.1 Billion

Why it stands out: Royalty and streaming companies offer a different risk/reward profile than customary miners. Potential for stable income streams.

dividend Yield: Approximately 2.3% (as of Sept 8, 2025).

1. Invesco DB Gold Fund (DGB): This ETF tracks gold futures contracts rather than holding physical gold.

Expense Ratio: 0.60%

AUM: $1.5 Billion

Why it stands out: Can provide more direct exposure to gold price movements. however, subject to contango and backwardation in the futures market. Requires understanding of gold futures trading.

Dividend Yield: Typically minimal.

1. GraniteShares Gold Trust (BAR): A physically-backed gold ETF with a low expense ratio.

Expense Ratio: 0.17%

AUM: $4.3 Billion

* Why it stands out: Low cost and transparent structure. Offers a competitive alternative to SGOL.