Overview
- GLD manages about $146.7 billion with deep trading volume and tight spreads as of Dec. 19, 2025.
- AAAU holds roughly $2.5 billion and charges a 0.18% expense ratio versus GLD’s 0.40%.
- Trailing one-year total returns were essentially the same: 66.8% for AAAU and 66.5% for GLD.
- Both funds provide simple, physically backed exposure to bullion without leverage or derivatives.
- Gold prices in 2025 jumped nearly 65%, reaching an all-time high of $4,381.58 per ounce in October, drawing strong ETF demand.