If 2025 was a good year for gold, 2026 may yet produce new records for the key metal. Growing global uncertainty has driven investors to gold as a store of value, with myriad factors worsening that uncertainty to start the new year. Gold futures hit a high of just under $4,990 a troy ounce Friday according to the Wall Street Journal. AAAU, a leading gold ETF, can offer exposure to gold’s continued ascent.

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AAAU, the Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF, has returned 78.1% over the last one year according to ETF Database data. The fund has performed very well over the long term, as well, beating its ETF Database Category averages over the last three and five year periods. Charging 18 basis points (bps), AAAU tracks the spot price of gold. 

Gold ETF AAAU as Gold Chases Records

The fund’s NAV is calculated using the LBMA PM Gold Price. That price updates twice daily at an auction independently operated and administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (IBA). Goldman Sachs acquired the ETF in 2020, with the fund having grown by about $2.5 billion in AUM since then, per ETF Database data.

What are the factors pushing gold higher, then, that merit revisiting the gold ETF? Geopolitical risk has dominated the headlines, and for good reason. Tensions over Greenland threatened to do major damage to the global financial system if European nations dumped their U.S. Treasurys. The dollar faces a continued decline, while attacks on Fed independence and rising U.S. debt also inspire fear. Gold has benefitted from those trends which continue to dominate.

AAAU, then, could stand out as a gold ETF in the coming year as those trends dominate. The ETF’s lower cost, efficient operation, and easy tradability makes it one to watch for those wanting to add some more durability to their portfolios – and upside.

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