SPDR Gold Trust Overview
Pro stress-test →SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) is the first US-traded gold ETF and first US-listed ETF backed by a physical asset, designed to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion. GLD is the most traded gold ETF in the US, with a 12-month average daily notional trading volume nearly 6 times higher than its closest competitor.
Strategic Profile
Pro stress-test →For many investors, the costs associated with buying GLD shares and paying the Trust's ongoing expenses may be lower than the costs associated with buying, storing and insuring physical gold in a traditional allocated gold bullion account. As of June 27, 2026, GLD has a market capitalization of $131.52 billion. The fund offers institutional and retail investors direct exposure to gold bullion through a highly liquid, low-cost ETF structure.
Competitive Landscape
Pro stress-test →GLD dominates the gold ETF market with daily notional trading volume approximately 6 times higher than IAU (iShares Gold Trust), the closest competitor. Secondary competitors include VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and other commodity-focused ETFs, though GLD's structural advantages in liquidity, physical backing, and expense efficiency (0.40% expense ratio) provide durable competitive moats.
Industry Context
SPDR Gold Trust operates in Gold bullion ETFs.
Key facts
Founded: 2004 · Headquarters: Boston, US · Employees: N/A · Revenue: N/A · Market cap: $131.5B