According to a recent report in Fortune, there are some forecasts that predict gold will hit the $10,000-per-ounce milestone in about three years or so. With gold’s traditional role as a hedge against inflation, it isn’t often considered a lucrative investment, but there may be opportunities to cash in on the rush. GOBankingRates consulted with experts in gold investing to determine how someone can cash in on the rush by investing in gold to maximize their returns. Figure Out How You Will Invest In Gold ...

Core Insights - Investors are presented with a choice between the SPDR Gold Shares, which has significant assets under management, and the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF, which offers lower costs for similar gold exposure [1][9]. Cost and Size Comparison - The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) has an expense ratio of 0.18%, while the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has a higher expense ratio of 0.40% [3][11]. - As of October 31, 2025, AAAU has a one-year return of 45.4%, slightly outperforming GLD's return of 45.2% [3]. - Assets under management (AUM) for AAAU stand at $2.2 billion, compared to GLD's $134.0 billion, indicating a significant size difference [3][11]. Performance and Risk Metrics - Over a five-year period, the maximum drawdown for AAAU is -20.94%, while GLD's is -21.03%, showing comparable risk profiles [4]. - The growth of an initial investment of $1,000 over five years would yield $2,092 for AAAU and $2,069 for GLD, indicating similar performance despite the size difference [4]. Fund Structure and Holdings - Both ETFs are designed to track the price of physical gold and hold only gold bullion, ensuring straightforward exposure to gold's performance [5][6]. - SPDR Gold Shares is categorized as 100% Basic Materials, while Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF is classified as 100% Real Estate, which is a labeling quirk rather than actual exposure [5][6]. Market Context - The price of gold has increased by over 50% in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic factors, leading central banks to increase their gold reserves [7].