What are the best gold ETFs in 2026?
Updated:
22 APR, 2026
The price of gold continues to reach new heights and early this year, for the first time in its history, exceeded $5,000 per ounce. Historically considered a safe asset, gold ETFs are shaping up as an attractive option for investors seeking shelter and diversification for their portfolios. These financial instruments are attracting the attention of asset management professionals, who see gold as an opportunity to navigate market turbulence.
Across the broader peer group of 10 European-domiciled UCITS ETFs, total performance reached +17.1% YTD (data as of April 17th). This result reflects a highly volatile start to the year: a strong rally in January and February (+34.4% combined), followed by a sharp correction in March (-21.1%), and a partial recovery in April (+10.4%).
In terms of flows, the category recorded net inflows of EUR 96 million in 2026, representing +0.8% of assets under management. Investor behavior closely mirrored market movements: strong inflows in January and February (EUR +683 million combined) were followed by significant outflows in March (-EUR 578 million), before stabilizing again in April.
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.
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
HANetf Gold Miners Screened UCITS ETF
The HANetf Gold Miners Screened UCITS ETF is an equity ETF that provides targeted exposure to global gold mining and royalty companies, while applying environmental, social and governance (ESG) screening criteria. It tracks the VettaFi Gold Miners Screened Index, which includes leading gold (and some silver) miners worldwide, alongside a small allocation (around 5%) to responsibly sourced physical gold.
The fund uses full physical replication and typically reinvests dividends (accumulating). It excludes companies involved in controversial weapons, thermal coal or significant fossil fuel activities, making it an Article 8 (ESG-focused) product.
Overall, the ETF is designed to combine the growth potential of gold mining equities with the defensive characteristics of physical gold, offering a more sustainable way to gain exposure to the precious metals sector.
iShares Gold Producers UCITS ETF
The iShares Gold Producers UCITS ETF offers exposure to companies primarily engaged in gold mining and production, giving investors access to the performance of the global gold mining sector. It tracks an index composed of leading gold producers, typically including large-cap firms listed in developed markets such as Canada, the US and Australia.
The fund uses physical replication to hold the underlying equities and generally follows an accumulating structure, reinvesting dividends back into the ETF. Its performance is closely linked not only to gold prices but also to operational factors affecting mining companies, such as production costs and geopolitical risks.
Overall, it serves as a convenient vehicle for investors seeking leveraged exposure to gold through equities rather than holding the physical metal directly.
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.
