What are the best gold ETFs in 2026?
Updated:
13 MAY, 2026
The price of gold remains near historically elevated levels and continues to attract strong investor interest as a defensive asset amid persistent market uncertainty. Gold mining ETFs, in particular, have become an attractive option for investors seeking leveraged exposure to gold prices alongside portfolio diversification. These strategies continue to draw attention from asset management professionals looking to navigate volatile market conditions.
Across the broader peer group of 10 European-domiciled UCITS ETFs, total performance reached +7.8% YTD as of May 7th, 2026. This performance reflects a highly volatile start to the year, with a strong rally during the first two months of 2026 (+33.0% combined in January and February), followed by a significant correction in March and April (-22.0% combined), before rebounding by +4.0% at the beginning of May.
In terms of flows, the category recorded net inflows of EUR 291 million in 2026, representing +2.3% of assets under management. Investor sentiment closely tracked market performance throughout the period: strong net subscriptions in January and February (EUR +580 million combined) were followed by substantial redemptions in March and April (-EUR 620 million combined). However, flows turned positive again at the start of May, with net inflows of EUR 333 million, signaling renewed investor interest in the segment.
Below, we gather the views of five entities.
How did we select those ETFs?
We based our selection on the data provided by Arandis and the ETFs' performance in 2026.
The The Market Access NYSE Arca Gold BUGS Index UCITS ETF live data is not available within our components; however, the performance information as of 7 May 2026 is provided below in the text.
VanEck S&P Global Mining UCITS ETF
The VanEck S&P Global Mining UCITS ETF is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with diversified exposure to global mining companies. It tracks the S&P Global Mining Reduced Coal Index, which includes firms involved in the extraction of key metals such as gold, copper, iron ore, nickel and lithium across both developed and emerging markets.
The ETF is physically replicated, meaning it holds the underlying shares of the index, and typically reinvests dividends (accumulating structure). It is designed as a simple way to gain exposure to the metals and mining sector, which is closely linked to global economic activity and long-term themes like infrastructure development and the transition to clean energy
Amundi Gold Miners UCITS ETF
The Amundi Gold Miners UCITS ETF provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of global gold mining companies, aiming to replicate the performance of the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, which includes leading firms involved in gold and silver extraction and production.
The fund uses physical replication, investing directly in the underlying equities of the index, and is structured to give investors broad access to the international gold mining sector through a single investment vehicle. Its portfolio is typically concentrated in large-cap mining companies such as Newmont Corporation, Agnico Eagle Mines and Barrick Gold, offering diversified exposure across major producers.
Overall, it is designed for investors seeking equity-based exposure to gold through mining companies, with performance that can magnify changes in gold prices due to the operational leverage and profitability dynamics of the mining industry.
Market Access - Market Access NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index UCITS ETF
| ISIN | Perf. YTD (07/05/2026) | 5Y Return |
|---|---|---|
| LU0259322260 | 10.54% | 22.7% |
The Market Access NYSE Arca Gold BUGS Index UCITS ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of global gold mining companies through tracking the NYSE Arca Gold BUGS Index, an index composed primarily of unhedged gold producers that are highly sensitive to movements in gold prices.
The fund uses synthetic replication, employing swap agreements to replicate the performance of the underlying index rather than directly holding all constituent shares. Its strategy focuses on large and mid-cap gold mining companies, offering investors targeted exposure to firms whose revenues and profitability are closely linked to the gold market. The index includes major mining groups such as Newmont Corporation, Barrick Gold and AngloGold Ashanti.
Overall, it is designed for investors seeking amplified exposure to gold price movements through unhedged mining equities, with returns that can be more volatile than physical gold due to the operational and market risks associated with mining companies.
L&G Gold Mining UCITS ETF
The L&G Gold Mining UCITS ETF provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of global gold mining companies, tracking the STOXX Global Gold Miners Index, which includes firms that generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold production.
The fund uses full physical replication, holding the underlying equities in the same proportions as the index, and typically follows an accumulating structure, reinvesting dividends. Its portfolio is concentrated in major gold producers such as Newmont, Agnico Eagle Mines and AngloGold Ashanti, offering broad exposure to the sector.
Overall, it is designed for investors seeking equity-based exposure to gold, with returns that tend to amplify movements in gold prices due to the operational leverage of mining companies.
UBS Solactive US Listed Gold & Silver Miners UCITS ETF
The UBS Solactive US Listed Gold & Silver Miners UCITS ETF provides focused exposure to companies involved in the exploration, extraction and refining of gold and silver that are listed on US stock exchanges. It tracks the Solactive Gold & Silver Miners US Listings Carbon Tilted Index, which applies an ESG tilt by giving higher weight to companies with relatively lower carbon emissions.
The ETF uses full physical replication and follows a passive strategy aimed at closely matching the performance of its underlying index. It typically adopts an accumulating structure, reinvesting dividends, and offers a diversified yet sector-specific exposure to precious metals mining equities.
Overall, it is designed for investors seeking targeted exposure to US-listed gold and silver miners, combining commodity-driven growth potential with a sustainability-oriented methodology.
Data provided by:
Arandis makes fund analysis and comparison simple, clear, and accessible. Their platform supports asset managers, fund of funds, family offices, and fund selectors to refine their strategic investment decisions. As data collection experts, they developed a robust and innovative architecture to deliver the highest quality of information.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
