Best ETFs Offering Exposure to Gold Stocks

Gold has reclaimed its shine and for investors seeking to benefit from this, three standout ASX-listed ETFs offer distinct ways to tap into the metal’s preciousness, from gaining exposure to leading mining companies.

Betashares Gold Bullion Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: QAU)

gives investors an easy and cheaper way to get exposure to gold without having to buy or store it themselves. It has a yearly expense ratio of around 0.59%. The ETF mainly tracks the price of gold but also hedges the AUD/USD movements so that currency ups and downs don’t affect returns. That makes it useful for people who only want exposure to gold’s actual price performance. In the year till October 2025, QAU gave a strong return of about 48.15%, thanks to the global rush for safe haven assets and rising political tensions around the world.
QAU is supported by real physical gold bars which meet London Bullion Market Association’s “Good Delivery” standards and are kept safely by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank in London. For people who want protection against inflation value or market chaos, QAU is one of the simplest and direct options to invest in gold on the ASX.

The Vaneck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX)

gives investors exposure to some of the biggest gold mining companies in the world.  It has an expense ratio of about 0.51% per annum and follows the Market Vector Global Gold Miners Index before any fees or expenses. Unlike other ETFs that hold physical gold, GDX invests in listed mining firms whose profits and revenues depend directly on gold production and exploration. As of September 2025, the fund had total net assets of around US$22.2 billion and owns 53 companies spread across North America, Africa and Australia. It is up by 100.42% in the one year to October 2025 mainly due to rising gold prices and better profit margins for large producers.

The ETF’s main holdings include well known miners like Agnico Eagle Mines, Newmont Corporation, Barrick Gold and Franco-Nevada. These few names together make up a good chunk of the total fund, giving a good diversified exposure across gold mining sector but since it focuses on miners and not physical gold, its price can move more sharply, so it is better for investors who can deal with volatility.

The iShares Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GLDN)

gives investors an easy and cheap way to get exposure to the price of gold. It’s fully backed by real physical gold bars. With a very low expense ratio of 0.18% per annum, GLDN tries to track the LBMA Gold Price PM AUD Index before fees and costs. This lets Australian investors follow gold price moves without worrying about storing gold themselves. Since it started in October 2023, the ETF has built assets of around A$320 million and has one year return of 57.97% as of October 2025. 

GLDN mainly holds physical gold bullion which is stored safely in vaults that meet LBMA standards. Managed by BlackRock, GLDN is a simple and transparent way to own gold through the ASX while still keeping daily liquidity and secure professional storage. For people who want direct exposure GLDN is one of the easiest and most affordable options in the market.

Source: Company Announcements