The Best Gold ETF Is SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): Here's Why I'm Holding It in 2026
2026-09-04 09:30
•Alex Carchidi •The Motley Fool
•••••• • Axe Cap view
Gold’s Place in Your Portfolio: Why GLD Still Matters
Despite higher fees, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) remains a practical inflation hedge worth considering in 2026.
With inflation fears lingering worldwide, gold continues to attract attention as a safe haven. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) may not be the cheapest option, charging around 0.4% annually, but its massive size and liquidity make it hard to beat. For South African investors, gold’s local appeal goes beyond the metal itself—it’s linked closely to miners like AngloGold Ashanti, which react not just to gold prices but also to rand fluctuations. A weaker rand tends to support gold prices in ZAR terms, acting as a natural hedge against currency weakness. Holding GLD simplifies exposure without worrying about mining company risks or operational issues. That said, if inflation cools quickly or interest rates rise more sharply than expected, gold’s allure may fade and GLD could underperform. Still, a modest allocation offers a buffer against market shocks and rand volatility. this is just our opinion and not financial advice
I’d maintain a small 3-5% position in GLD for inflation protection, trimming if gold loses its safe-haven status. Avoid over-allocating given the expense ratio and potential rate hikes.
- SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)
- AngloGold Ashanti
- USD/ZAR
- Inflation falling faster than expected
- Stronger US dollar pushing gold prices down
7/10
The author recommends SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) as the best gold ETF for most investors, citing its size ($146B AUM), global accessibility across multiple exchanges, and transparent holdings verification. While its 0.4% expense ratio is higher than competitors, it remains a practical inflation hedge, especially during periods of elevated inflation. The author maintains a ~4% portfolio allocation to GLD.
Our take is based on reporting first published by The Motley Fool.