Gold prices have surged above $5,500, making expense ratios critical for gold ETFs. abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) charges a lower fee of 0.17% compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) at 0.40% and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 0.25%, offering similar returns but less cost drag over time. While GLD dominates institutional trading with deep liquidity, SGOL's lower fees benefit retail investors holding gold long term. The key macro factor to watch is real interest rates, especially 10-year TIPS yields; if these rise above 2.0% sustainably, gold may face headwinds. However, current geopolitical risks and inflation keep gold prices elevated. SGOL's transparency and physical gold custody add accountability for investors.
