Gold prices went even higher today as concerns about Europe’s economy and Middle East unrest sent investors to safe-havens. But the exchange traded funds (ETFs) they’re using to get their gold fix may not be the same ones as before.
Aside from Europe’s debt issues, according to Reuters, the lowered confidence in the euro is also playing a role, as the Greek debt has taken EU morale to new lows. Today, gold settled at $1429.60 an ounce. [Alternative Ways to Play Gold With ETFs.]
Olivier Ludwig for Index Universe has an interesting observation concerning SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEArca: GLD), which fell 1.3% last month. iShares COMEX Gold (NYSEArca: IAU) has a cheaper expense ratio and this may be giving it the upper hand among some investors. [Behind the Surge In Silver and Gold ETFs.]
Don’t worry: GLD is still miles ahead as the world’s second-largest ETF after the SPDRs (NYSEArca: SPY).
IAU gathered $341 million in new money in February, lifting its assets to $5.38 billion, while GLD suffered outflows of $712 million. Moreover, ETFS Physical Swiss Gold (NYSEArca: SGOL) gathered $95.6 million last month, increasing its assets to $1.24 billion, according to data compiled by IndexUniverse.com.
Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.