Core Insights - The article highlights the top-performing leveraged and inverse ETFs for the week, showcasing significant returns driven by market events and investor behavior [1] Group 1: Top Performing ETFs - ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas (BOIL) led the list with a return of 72.35% due to a surge in U.S. natural gas prices caused by sudden weather changes [1] - MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) achieved a return of 34.11% as gold prices reached historic highs above $5,100 per ounce amid geopolitical tensions and economic concerns [1] - ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ) returned approximately 31.54%, benefiting from the same market conditions affecting gold prices [1] - Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 2x Shares (JNUG) returned around 27.60%, reflecting the strong performance of gold mining stocks [1] - MicroSectors Gold 3X Leveraged ETNs (SHNY) also saw gains of approximately 27.24% due to rising gold prices [1] - GraniteShares 2x Long AMD Daily ETF (AMDL) gained over 24.49% as AMD shares surged over 100% driven by record earnings and demand for AI chips [1] - ProShares UltraShort Ether ETF (ETHD) recorded over 22.57% in gains despite a decline in Ether prices due to macroeconomic pressures [1] - Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) achieved a return of 21.49% as Brazilian equities surged, influenced by a weakening U.S. dollar and higher commodity prices [1] - ProShares Ultra MSCI Brazil Capped (UBR) also ranked with approximately 21.05% gains, supported by strong services data [1] - Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2x Shares (NUGT) gained over 20.14%, reflecting the overall strength in the gold mining sector [1]

However, it's crucial for advisors and investors to remember that direct gold exposure is not the only way that they can play off the metal momentum. There are many strategies one can use to hop on the gold train, but one that has been working especially well is to gain exposure to gold miners. Gold miners, more so than most other companies, stand to benefit from the significant price growth that gold has seen over the last few months. As price demand continues to soar, so will the revenue of the gold minin ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have surged nearly 40% year-to-date, significantly outperforming other assets like the S&P 500 and Bitcoin, which are up 12% and 23% respectively [1] Group 1: Gold Investment Trends - The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has attracted nearly $11 billion in fresh net assets, while the SPDR Gold Minishares Trust (GLDM) has seen net inflows of $6.5 billion, contributing to a total of approximately $28 billion in net new money for physical gold ETFs this year [2] - This influx is a stark contrast to the sub-$3 billion intake in 2024, indicating a renewed investor interest in gold [2] Group 2: Market Drivers - Factors such as trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and economic uncertainty have positioned gold as a preferred safe haven and inflation hedge [3] - J.P. Morgan has raised its gold price forecasts, projecting an average of $4,068/oz in 2026, with potential peaks of $4,250 in Q4 2024, while Goldman Sachs has warned of a possible $5,000/oz if interest rate cuts lead to increased investment in gold [3] Group 3: Gold ETFs and Income Generation - Gold ETFs have benefited from macroeconomic support and growing investor appetite, with income-generating ETFs like the Simplify Gold Strategy Plus Income ETF (YGLD) up 60% this year and the NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) up over 9% this quarter [4] - These ETFs utilize options overlays to provide income, appealing to income-seeking investors [4] Group 4: Gold Miners Performance - Gold mining equities have experienced remarkable growth, with the Global X Gold Explorers ETF (GOEX) up 101% year-to-date, and other mining ETFs like Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) up nearly 98% and 95% respectively [5][6] - Despite strong performance, miner ETFs have struggled to attract assets due to profit-taking and volatility concerns, although this trend may be changing as outflows decrease [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - The ongoing uncertainty regarding policy, regulation, and economic momentum suggests that the factors supporting gold prices are likely to persist, with forecasts indicating a potential 7-10% increase in gold prices from current levels [7] - There are various ETF options available for investors looking to capitalize on the gold market, including physical gold, income-generating gold, and equity-focused gold exposure [7]

Market Performance - The S&P 500 recorded a 1.5% gain in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly increase and reaching a record high [1] - The Dow Jones rose by 3.2% in August, also achieving its fourth successive monthly gain [1] - The Nasdaq experienced a 1.6% increase, completing its fifth consecutive monthly rise, the longest winning streak in nearly a year and a half [2] - Small-cap stocks, represented by the Russell 2000, surged approximately 7% in August, marking its fourth consecutive monthly gain and the strongest streak in over four years [2] Inflation and Consumer Sentiment - Core inflation in the U.S. was reported at 2.9% seasonally adjusted in July, higher than June and above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, raising concerns [3] - Consumer sentiment fell to a three-month low in August, driven by tariff-related concerns and inflation expectations [4] Federal Reserve Actions - Despite the inflation data, there is an 86.4% probability of a quarter-point rate cut in September, indicating market confidence in the Fed easing monetary policy to address a slowing labor market [5] Cryptocurrency Market - Ethereum prices surged about 26% over the past month, driven by strong institutional demand, staking yields, and Layer 2 scaling [6] Technology Sector - The technology sector faced volatility in late August, with fears of an AI bubble impacting market sentiment [7] - Major tech stocks like NVIDIA, Tesla, Meta, and Amazon experienced declines on August 29, 2025, with losses ranging from 1.1% to over 3.5% [8] Winning Leveraged ETFs - AdvisorShares MSOS Daily Leveraged ETF (MSOX) increased by 164.8% due to positive developments in the cannabis sector following hints from President Trump regarding marijuana reclassification [10][11] - GraniteShares 2x Long RDDT Daily ETF (RDTL) rose by 81.8% as Reddit Inc shares surged about 50% after exceeding Q2 earnings and revenue estimates [12] - Defiance Daily Target 2X Short SMCI ETF (SMCZ) gained 71.8% as Super Micro Computer Inc shares fell over 26% due to internal control weaknesses [13] - MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETN (GDXU) increased by 54.2% as VanEck Gold Miners ETF rose 20.4% amid safe-haven demand for gold [14] - Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) advanced by 48.7% as Applovin Corp shares increased over 26% after surpassing Q2 earnings and revenue estimates [15]