Gold rallied about 65% higher in 2025, its strongest showing in years. Now, after pulling back to about $4,800, it’s creating an opportunity. And this opportunity is not just in physical metal; it also involves stocks of gold miners.
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In fact, according to UBS analysts, the metal could rally to $6,200 by mid-year. There are several reasons for this, including geopolitical tensions, two potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve by September, and further central bank buying.
As noted by GoldSilver.com, “After hitting highs above $5,000 earlier this year, gold has corrected to around $4,400. UBS analysts see this as consistent with a pattern that preceded last year’s historic 65% surge. Sustained consolidation has historically preceded significant upward moves in gold. The structural drivers, in UBS’s view, remain intact.”
While investors can buy gold stocks, such as Barrick Mining (NYSE: B), Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM), or Franco-Nevada Corp. (NYSE: FNV), those looking for safe diversification may want to consider gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Here are a few you may want to consider.
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF
One of the best ways to diversify at less cost is with an ETF, such as the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: GDX). Not only can you gain access to some of the biggest gold stocks in the world, but you can also do so at less cost.
With an expense ratio of 0.51%, the ETF holds positions in Newmont Corp., Barrick Gold, Franco-Nevada, Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM), Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI), and Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM) to name a few.
The ETF also pays an annual dividend. In December 2025, it paid a dividend of just over 63 cents a share. In December 2024, it paid a dividend of just over 40 cents per share. In December 2023, it paid a dividend of just over 50 cents per share.
Even better, shares of mining stocks often outperform the price of gold. That’s because higher gold prices can result in increased profit margins and free cash flow for gold miners. In addition, top gold miners often have limited exposure to riskier mining projects.
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF
With an expense ratio of 0.5%, the Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: SGDJ) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index. The Index aims to track the performance of small-cap gold companies with stocks that are listed on regulated exchanges.
Some of its top holdings include Lundin Gold Inc., Seabridge Gold, Equinox Gold, Victoria Gold, Westgold Resources, Osisko Mining, K92 Mining Inc., Novagold Resources, Regis Resources, New Gold Inc., Sabina Gold & Silver, Argonaut Gold, Centerra Gold, Coeur Mining, Skeena Resources, and K92 Mining to name a few.
Global X Gold Explorers ETF
With an expense ratio of 0.65%, the Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSEARCA: GOEX) invests in companies involved with gold deposit exploration.
Some of its top 50 holdings include Coeur Mining, Lundin Gold, Hecla Mining, New Gold Inc., SSR Mining, and Alamos Gold. GOEX also pays a semi-annual dividend. Its last dividend of just over $1.67 per share was paid out on December 30, 2025.
Gold Miners ETFs Signal Opportunity as Gold Prepares for Next Leg Higher
At the end of the day, gold’s story hasn’t really changed—it just goes through cycles of excitement and hesitation. Whether this turns into the next big move higher or just more sideways action will depend on how things such as interest rates and global tensions actually play out—not just what analysts predict.
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