VanEck Gold Miners ETF vs MPLX LP — how do they compare? VanEck Gold Miners ETF trades at $91.09, while MPLX LP trades at $59.9 (market cap $60.12B). The key difference: MPLX LP pays a 7.26% dividend while VanEck Gold Miners ETF pays none, and MPLX LP is trading nearer its 52-week high, VanEck Gold Miners ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GDX | MPLX | |
|---|---|---|
52-Week High | $115.84 | $60.51 |
52-Week Low | $56.60 | $47.80 |
Market Cap | — | $60.12B |
Sector | — | Technology |
Enterprise Value | — | $85.22B |
Dividend Yield | — | 7.26% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GDX (VanEck Gold Miners ETF) trades at $90.96, up 0.52% with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The ETF benefits from gold's seven-week rally to near $4,300/oz, though mining stocks have lagged the metal's gains. Recent institutional activity shows mixed sentiment with City Holding reducing its position by 85.8% while Axiom Investment added a $934,000 stake in Q1 2026.
Gold miners offer leveraged exposure to rising gold prices with attractive valuations, but face volatility risks. The sector's free cash flow yields are at record highs, supporting potential upside if gold sustains momentum. Key risks include gold price sensitivity, mining operational challenges, and competition from physical gold ETFs with lower expense ratios.
MPLX trades at $59.94, up 2.11% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $61.50. The company reported strong 2025 results with $11.47B revenue and $4.91B net income, though recent quarterly earnings have missed expectations. A recent $2.25B senior notes offering (PRNewsWire, Aug 10, 2026) supports growth initiatives, while a 7.3% dividend yield attracts income investors.
Outlook remains positive given fee-based revenue stability and growth projects, but risks include execution challenges from higher capital spending and leverage. Analyst sentiment is strongly bullish with no sell ratings, though investors should monitor earnings consistency and debt levels amid volatile energy markets.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks and depositary receipts of companies involved in the gold mining industry. The index is a modified market-capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver. The fund is non-diversified.
Read more on GDX →MPLX LP is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). It is a diversified, growth-oriented company primarily engaged in the gathering, processing, and transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), as well as the transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil and refined petroleum products. MPLX owns and operates a network of midstream energy infrastructure assets, providing essential services to the energy industry across the United States.
Read more on MPLX →