PHYG VS GDX
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

PHYG VS GDX

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have transformed the investment landscape by offering investors diversified exposure across a wide range of sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison of two prominent ETFs: PHYG (iShares Physical Gold ETF) and GDX (VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF). We will delve into various facets, including ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, strategy, tracking methods, and exposure.

PHYG VS GDX: Overview

PHYG and GDX are two ETFs that cater to distinct aspects of the gold market. While PHYG focuses on providing exposure to physical gold, GDX aims to capture the performance of gold mining companies. This divergence in investment objectives leads to differing risk profiles and exposures, which we will analyze in the sections that follow.

PHYG VS GDX: Sectors and Top Holdings

The PHYG ETF predominantly invests in physical gold, with gold bullion being its primary holding. In contrast, GDX allocates its assets to the equities of gold mining firms such as Newmont Corporation, Barrick Gold, and Franco-Nevada. Understanding the sectors and top holdings of these ETFs is crucial for investors as it aids in aligning their investment choices with their specific goals and risk preferences.

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PHYG VS GDX: Capitalization and Strategy

PHYG boasts a substantial asset under management (AUM), indicative of its popularity among investors seeking exposure to the intrinsic value of gold. GDX, on the other hand, adopts a strategy centered around harnessing the performance of gold mining companies. The variance in capitalization and strategy between PHYG and GDX presents investors with differing potential returns and levels of risk, necessitating a thoughtful evaluation before making investment decisions.

PHYG VS GDX: Tracking and Exposure

PHYG is designed to mirror the daily movements of gold prices, providing investors with a means of accessing the value of gold. On the contrary, GDX offers exposure to the gold mining industry by tracking an index comprised of gold mining company stocks. The mechanisms employed for tracking and exposure diverge between the two ETFs, and comprehending these distinctions assists investors in selecting the ETF that aligns with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

PHYG and GDX are distinctive ETFs, each catering to a specialized approach to investing within the gold market. For those keen on delving deeper into insights such as holdings, correlations, overlaps, and more, ETF Insider emerges as the ultimate tool. This user-friendly app equips investors with comprehensive information about these ETFs and various other financial instruments.

Disclaimer: This article does not offer any form of investment advisory services.

Sources:

iShares - PHYG: iShares Physical Gold ETF Overview. [Link]
VanEck - GDX: VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF Overview. [Link]

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