Gold Forecasts Put Some Shine on This ETF | ETF TrendsGold's indomitable run has carried over into 2026 and the stars are aligning for more upside. Attribute some of that bull case to strong gold ETF inflows around the world.Speaking of gold ETFs, which are among the most popular avenues for accessing the commodity, the [NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI)] is worthy of closer examination. Not yet a year old, IAUI has become a force in the gold income arena. Indeed, the NEOS fund may be poised for more momentu ...

Core Insights - The NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) launched in June 2025 and has gained significant traction, with assets under management exceeding $367 million as of February 11, 2026, amid a strong gold bull market [1] - IAUI is nominated for the best new options income fund of 2025 at the upcoming ETF.com awards, competing against four other funds, highlighting its recognition in a category that saw over 60 new options income ETFs launched last year [1] - The ETF has returned more than 23% since inception, demonstrating its potential to provide both capital appreciation and income, with a 30-day SEC yield of 1.88% and a distribution rate of 12.25% [1] Fund Characteristics - IAUI addresses the traditional dilemma for income investors seeking gold exposure by utilizing options to harvest volatility premium, thus providing a yield [1] - The ETF serves as an alternative or complement to existing gold allocations, offering portfolio diversification, inflation protection, and a hedge against economic uncertainty [1] - Investors can access the benefits of gold while pursuing high monthly income through this actively managed ETF [1]

Core Insights - The NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) is positioned as a strong income fund, although it limits upside potential during significant gold rallies [1] Group 1: Fund Performance - Limited data since inception indicates that IAUI is performing well as an income-generating fund [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by a stock analyst with over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management [1] - The analyst has a background as a former Vice President at Barclays, leading teams in model validation and stress testing [1] - The research approach combines rigorous risk management with a long-term perspective on value creation, focusing on macroeconomic trends and corporate earnings [1]

Core Insights - The NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) is highlighted as a strong investment option amid the recent surge in gold prices, reaching an all-time high [1] - NEOS has a proven track record in managing covered call ETFs, indicating a reliable investment strategy [1] - The article emphasizes a hybrid investment approach that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that despite a year of record highs for gold, the outlook for 2026 remains positive among banks and market participants, suggesting another impressive performance for the yellow metal [1] - The NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) offers a unique investment approach by providing elevated income through a covered call strategy, which is particularly appealing as gold traditionally does not yield dividends or interest [2][3] - IAUI has demonstrated strong income potential with a distribution rate of 12.53% and a 30-day SEC yield of 1.81% as of December, making it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to gold during a bull market [3] Group 2 - There is a sustained commitment from advisors and investors towards gold, especially in the form of ETFs, which bodes well for IAUI in 2026 [4] - Global gold ETFs experienced a seventh consecutive month of inflows in December, primarily driven by North American funds, with managed money net longs increasing by US$11 billion (59 tons) for the month [5] - The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, which typically drives investors towards safe-haven assets like gold, potentially benefiting IAUI [6][7] Group 3 - Macro factors are expected to influence gold's trajectory in 2026, with sustained central bank demand, hedging needs amid policy uncertainty, and diversification requirements in a high stock-bond correlation environment being key drivers [8]

Core Insights - The NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) launched in June 2025, capitalizing on rising gold prices and investor interest in high income outside traditional bonds and dividend stocks [1][2] - IAUI has achieved nearly $276 million in assets under management as it enters 2026, indicating a strong initial performance [2] - The outlook for gold in 2026 is influenced by geoeconomic uncertainty, with potential for moderate gains if economic growth slows and interest rates fall [4] Performance and Market Dynamics - Gold was one of the best-performing assets in 2025, and while repeating that performance in 2026 may be challenging, there is potential for upside [3] - IAUI has demonstrated a capacity for upside capture, returning over 14% since its inception, distinguishing it from other options-based ETFs that may not perform as well over time [4] - Factors such as central bank demand and gold recycling trends are expected to influence the gold market, reinforcing its role as a portfolio diversifier amid market volatility [5]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) by NEOS ETFs is timely in the current easing monetary policy environment, providing bond investors with an alternative income source through options income in the energy sector [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Overview - MLPI invests in master limited partnerships (MLPs) and energy infrastructure companies, generating income from premiums through writing call options on ETFs focused on energy infrastructure MLPs [2]. - The fund is actively managed with a management fee of 68 basis points, allowing portfolio managers to adjust holdings according to market conditions, which adds a risk management component [3]. Group 2: Market Context - The majority of capital markets are anticipating additional rate cuts, making the launch of MLPI and other income-focused ETFs by NEOS particularly relevant [2]. - NEOS has successfully gathered assets in 2025 by offering options-based high income strategies, expanding its lineup to include various investment styles [2][4]. Group 3: Tax Efficiency and Diversification - MLPI offers tax loss harvesting opportunities and tax efficiency through the pass-through benefits and tax deferrals associated with the MLP structure [3]. - NEOS provides a range of ETFs that cater to different investor needs, including options for income, tax efficiency, and diversification [4][5].

Core Insights - High-yield income funds are currently popular, with the NEOS Gold High Income ETF (IAUI) being a new entrant this year, providing exposure to gold and a monthly distribution averaging $0.54 since its inception [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The approach taken is long-term, focusing on macro investment ideas through low-risk ETFs and Closed-End Funds (CEFs) [1] - The individual has nearly ten years of experience trading stocks and currencies and currently manages a family fund [1] Group 2: Additional Investments - In addition to ETFs and CEFs, there is also investment activity in real estate [1]

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]