Looking for a Hedge? These 2 Gold ETFs Offer Very Different Ways to Invest

The article compares two gold investment ETFs: iShares Gold Trust (IAU), which holds physical bullion with a lower 0.25% expense ratio, and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX), which invests in mining company stocks with a 0.51% expense ratio. While GDX has delivered higher 5-year returns ($2,868 vs $2,331 on $1,000), it carries significantly higher volatility and risk. For long-term investors seeking simple gold exposure, IAU is recommended due to its lower costs and direct commodity exposure, though GDX may offer greater upside under favorable conditions.