Gold ETF GLD vs GLDM: Key Metrics and Performance Comparison

Gold prices surged from $2,000 per ounce in early 2024 to over $5,500 in early 2026, driven by central bank buying, safe haven demand, and inflation. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) holds over $163 billion in assets but has a higher expense ratio of 0.40%, while the SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust ETF (GLDM) has $32 billion in assets and a lower expense ratio of 0.10%. Over the past five years, GLDM has averaged a 22.1% annual return, compared to GLD's 21.8%, highlighting the benefit of lower costs. The ongoing demand for gold presents investment opportunities for both retail and institutional traders.