Over the past five years, gold and gold-related ETFs have experienced significant fluctuations due to economic events, changing interest rates, and shifting market sentiment. This article reviews the performance of gold, the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX), and VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ). Gold rose by over 60%, while GLD closely mirrored this increase. In contrast, GDX and GDXJ significantly underperformed, with GDX up only 30% and GDXJ up just 12%. This analysis highlights the varying risks and returns associated with different gold-related investments.
Read More »GLD vs. PHYS: Which Is the Best Gold Trust & Why? (+26K Views)
Some investors might not be aware that SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) does not, in ordinary circumstances, allow for the redemption of physical gold while the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) has the unique property of allowing investors to trade in their shares for physical gold deliveries. This article takes a look at the performance, liquidity and purpose of each to determine which is best under which circumstances.
Read More »Gold Is NOT An Effective Hedge Against A Financial Crisis! Here’s Proof (+4K Views)
A short time ago I started looking at the question: "Is gold an effective hedge against a financial crisis?" Having studied the question in more detail, I find the answer is no, gold is not an effective hedge against a financial crisis. Here's why.
Read More »A Look At Several Gold ETF Alternatives – Which Is Right For You? (=2K Views)
Although, on one hand, geopolitical risks have increased the appeal of Gold ETFs as safe-haven investments, a rising greenback and fears of rising interest rates are weighing on their performance. This article discusses some ETFs focused on providing exposure to the space...
Read More »Surprise! A Close Look at GLD Reveals What it IS and is NOT (+3K Views)
The most common misunderstandings regarding the primary gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:GLD) is that it buys and sells gold. That is not the case. It is just a paper asset. It is not a way to buy gold and have someone else store your holdings for you. It is just an innovative way to “own gold.” Below I outline more of just what GLD is and is not.
Read More »ETF Investors: Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes (+3K Views)
While ETFs offer numerous advantages over traditional actively-managed mutual funds and individual stocks - near total transparency, intraday trading, and a (generally) more straightforward tax situation - they aren’t foolproof, and there are plenty of opportunities to make mistakes while investing in ETFs. Words: 1991
Read More »All Gold & Silver ETFs Are NOT the Same: a Lease vs. Own Comparison (+4K Views)
I have always been leery of the two big exchange traded funds, SLV and GLD, because they lease the gold and silver that they sell you. I much prefer the ETFs SGOL, CEF, PSVL and PHYS which actually own the gold and silver they sell you and store it for you segregated vaults. Words: 717
Read More »All Gold and Silver ETFs are NOT Created Equal! Here’s the Best (+4K Views)
Whole oceans of ink have been spilled detailing the good and not-so-good points of the closed-end fund CEF (Central Fund of Canada) and the twin ETF's GLD (SPDR Gold Trust) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) funds. My goal here is to distill the salient points down to the fewest words possible to help make your due diligence task somewhat less...well...tasking. [Let's go!] Words: 650
Read More »Gold & Silver ETFs vs. Physical Bullion: What’s the Difference? (+2K Views)
Investors wisely seeking exposure to precious metals must deliberate between the convenience of buying shares of an electronically traded fund (ETF) and the ultimate security of owning physical gold and silver bullion. We tasked ourselves to take a closer look at each to understand their important distinctions.
Read More »Silver Is A Better Investment Choice Than Gold – Here’s Why
Rather than taking a new position in gold at current levels there are a variety of alternative investment ideas that are preferable and should be considered for your portfolio. See below for details.
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