Spotlight: Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD)
Each month in our ETF Spotlight series, we put the focus on one of the ETFs inside our ETF portfolios or available through InvestSMART Custom.
This time, we're looking at Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD, which is part of our Custom offering. Here's what you need to know.
About the Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD)
The Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD) is a simple way for investors to get direct exposure to physical gold. Each unit is backed by allocated gold bullion, and the ETF aims to closely track the Australian dollar spot price of gold, less fees and expenses.
Global X says GOLD may suit investors who want to add gold as a small, satellite holding, either to take a short-term view on the gold price or as a medium to long term strategic allocation within a diversified portfolio. It's aimed at investors seeking capital growth or capital preservation who can tolerate higher risk and volatility.
Here are a few quick facts about GOLD:
- Investment manager: Global X
- Inception date: 28 March 2003
- Size: $6 billion
- Management fee: 0.40%
- Benchmark: Gold spot price
- InvestSMART rating: 4 stars
- Distribution frequency: No distributions
Why consider gold?
Gold can be a simple way to diversify your portfolio and potentially reduce the impact of sharemarket volatility. It may also appeal as a "defensive" holding when inflation is high or markets are unsettled, because it's often seen as a store of value when confidence in other assets wobbles.
Where is GOLD invested?
GOLD invests in allocated physical gold bullion bars, which are held in secure vaults in London. According to Global X, each physical bar is segregated, individually identified and allocated.
What is GOLD's management fee?
GOLD charges a 0.40% annual management fee which is competitive given the costs involved with insuring, storing and administering physical bullion.
How has GOLD performed?
GOLD tracks the gold price so returns vary depending on market conditions and investor demand for safe-haven assets. Gold has performed strongly over the past few years so this has translated into great returns for GOLD.
In the 12 months to the end of November, it returned 56.4%. Longer-term returns have also been strong, with GOLD returning an average of 15.4% p.a. over 10 years. Keep in mind that GOLD doesn't pay income distributions. And, as always, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
GOLD performance
|
1 year |
5 yrs p.a. |
10 yrs p.a. |
SI p.a.1 |
|
|
GOLD |
56.4% |
21.2% |
15.4% |
11.0% |
|
Benchmark |
57.0% |
21.7% |
15.9% |
11.4% |
Source: Global X. Returns for the period ending 28 November 2025. 1Since inception on 28 March 2003.
Key takeouts
GOLD gives investors an easy way to get exposure to physical gold without dealing with storage or insurance. It can act as a portfolio diversifier, particularly during periods of market stress or inflation, but can be higher risk than traditional equities and bonds. It's delivered strong results over the past few years, but doesn't provide income.
Want to compare ETFs? Check out our handy online ETF filter tool. It can help you narrow down your options based on filters such as investment category or InvestSMART's star rating. If you'd like help selecting the right InvestSMART ETF portfolio for you check out our free statement of advice quiz. It will show you which one may best suit your goals and investment timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Global X Physical Gold ETF (ASX: GOLD) is an exchange‑traded fund that gives investors direct exposure to physical gold. Each unit is backed by allocated gold bullion and the ETF aims to closely track the Australian dollar spot price of gold, less fees and expenses.
GOLD holds allocated, segregated physical gold bars that are individually identified and allocated. This structure means investors get exposure to real bullion without having to buy, insure or store the metal themselves.
According to Global X, the ETF’s physical gold bullion bars are held in secure vaults in London. Each bar is segregated and individually identified to ensure allocation to the ETF.
GOLD charges a management fee of 0.40% per year. The fee reflects the costs of insuring, storing and administering physical bullion and is presented by Global X as competitive given those operating costs.
GOLD tracks movements in the gold price, so performance varies with market conditions. For the 12 months to the end of November (period ending 28 November 2025) it returned 56.4%. Over 10 years it has averaged 15.4% p.a., and since inception (28 March 2003) it has averaged about 11.0% p.a. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
No. The Global X Physical Gold ETF does not pay regular income distributions. It is focused on capital exposure to the gold price rather than income generation.
Global X says GOLD may suit investors looking to add gold as a small, satellite holding — either for a short‑term view on the gold price or as a medium‑to‑long‑term strategic allocation. It’s aimed at investors seeking capital growth or capital preservation who can tolerate higher risk and volatility.
InvestSMART offers tools to compare ETFs, including an online ETF filter that narrows options by category or InvestSMART star rating. If you need help selecting a suitable InvestSMART ETF portfolio, you can try their free statement of advice quiz to see which portfolio may match your goals and timeframe.
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