Motley Fool backs SPDR Gold Shares as preferred ETF for most investors
The fund’s scale and bullion transparency are weighed against a 0.4% expense ratio, above some competing physically backed ETFs.
The Motley Fool has endorsed SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) as its preferred gold exchange-traded fund for most investors in 2026, citing the fund’s scale, accessibility and transparency of its physical bullion holdings.
According to figures reported in the article, GLD held 32,314,227 ounces of gold worth about US$130.1 billion on 30 June 2026, making it the largest gold fund. Its size also makes it a widely referenced instrument for investors and financial institutions assessing gold demand.
GLD trades on NYSE Arca and is listed in Hong Kong, Mexico, Singapore and Tokyo. The fund publishes the serial numbers of its gold bars each business day, while third-party verifiers validate its holdings twice a year.
The article cited World Gold Council figures showing central banks bought a record 289 metric tonnes of gold in the second quarter of 2026. It described bullion as a potential long-term inflation hedge, while noting that gold prices and ETF values can decline.
GLD’s main drawback is cost. Its expense ratio is 0.4%, compared with 0.1% for SPDR Gold MiniShares, although the article said the fee remains modest relative to the costs of buying and storing physical gold.
The endorsement reflects the author’s judgement and disclosure: the author holds close to 4% of their portfolio in GLD and may buy more if its price falls substantially. The article also said it did not expect the fund to dramatically outperform broad stock-market index funds over the long term.
