AAAU VS GLDM: Tracking Methods & Exposure
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

AAAU VS GLDM: Tracking Methods & Exposure

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have brought a new dimension to the world of investing, offering investors diversified exposure to various sectors and asset classes. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at two prominent gold ETFs: AAAU (Perth Mint Physical Gold ETF) and GLDM (SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust). We will explore their ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, investment strategy, tracking methods, and exposure.

AAAU VS GLDM: Overview

The AAAU and GLDM ETFs share a common objective: to provide investors with exposure to the price movements of gold. However, they differ in their underlying mechanisms. AAAU represents an investment in physical gold stored in a vault, while GLDM is structured to track the performance of gold using financial instruments like futures contracts. This distinction in approach leads to differences in their risk profiles and potential returns.

AAAU VS GLDM: Sectors and Top Holdings

AAAU's focus is solely on physical gold, with each share of the ETF corresponding to a specific quantity of gold held in a secure vault. On the other hand, GLDM invests in gold futures contracts, which represent agreements to buy or sell gold at a predetermined price in the future. Understanding the sectors and top holdings of these ETFs is crucial for investors seeking exposure to the gold market, as it influences the overall risk and potential rewards of their investments.

AAAU overlap AAAU VS GLDMAAAU overlap AAAU VS GLDM

AAAU VS GLDM: Capitalization and Investment Strategy

AAAU has achieved a substantial asset under management (AUM), indicating its popularity among investors seeking direct exposure to physical gold. GLDM, while also having a notable AUM, uses futures contracts to track the price of gold. The investment strategies of these ETFs differ significantly, with AAAU focusing on the ownership of physical gold, while GLDM seeks to replicate the performance of gold through derivative contracts.

AAAU VS GLDM: Tracking Methods and Exposure

AAAU's tracking method involves the direct ownership of gold bars stored in a secure vault. This approach closely mirrors the movement of the price of gold itself. On the other hand, GLDM utilizes futures contracts to simulate the price movement of gold. Investors in GLDM need to be aware of the impact of contango and backwardation on the returns of the ETF, factors that can result in differences between the ETF's performance and the spot price of gold.

Conclusion

AAAU and GLDM are two distinctive gold ETFs that cater to different investor preferences and risk appetites. For those who wish to delve deeper into understanding their holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other essential insights, the ETF Insider platform emerges as an invaluable resource. With its user-friendly app, ETF Insider empowers investors to gain comprehensive insights into these ETFs and other financial instruments.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not offer any investment advisory services.

Sources:

AAAU ETF issuer
AAAU ETF official page

GLDM quote and analysis

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