Performance data is updated to 31 May 2026.
iShares Physical Gold ETF (GLDN) — Review & Analysis
GLDN is iShares' answer to the low-cost gold race on the ASX, charging 0.18% p.a. — just 3bp above the cheapest option, GXLD. AUM is $410.89 million as at June 2026, growing steadily since launch. The fund is backed by physical gold bullion held in vaulted storage and is unhedged for currency. Compare GLDN across the entire gold cohort on our commodities and resources ETF page.
The gold ETF market has bifurcated into two clear tiers. The low-cost tier — GXLD 0.15%, GLDN 0.18%, NUGG 0.25% — is where new investor flows are heading.
The legacy higher-fee tier (GOLD 0.40%) retains AUM through inertia and superior liquidity. GLDN's iShares branding and global parent (BlackRock) give it institutional credibility that drives super fund and adviser allocations preferentially compared to smaller issuers.
Gold has historically functioned as an inflation hedge and equity diversifier — uncorrelated to share market drawdowns. Our gold and precious metal ETF options guide lays out every gold ETF on the ASX with fees, AUM and structure.
Performance (% return)
Investment Focus
Themes
Exposure Regions
Portfolio Breakdown
| Symbol | Company Name | % assets |
|---|---|---|
| IGLN | ISHARES PHYSICAL GOLD ETC | 99.98% |
| AUD | AUD CASH | 0.25% |
| USD | USD CASH | -0.23% |
Related Reads
Commodity & Resource ETFs on the ASX: Every Way to Access Gold, Silver, Copper, Uranium, and More
There are 28 commodity and resource ETFs listed on the ASX, collectively managing $21.6 billion in assets. They span five broad categories: Precious Metals, Australian Resources, Specialty & Transition Metals, Uranium & Energy, and Soft Commodities.
Comparing Gold & Precious Metal ETF Options on the ASX: A 2026 Guide for Australian Investors
Gold and precious metals have been shining stars in portfolios amid 2026's volatile markets. With geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and a booming commodity cycle, many Aussies are turning to ETFs for easy, low-cost exposure. But with over a dozen gold-focused options on the ASX, which one fits your strategy?
Similar ETFs
| Stock | Name | 1 Year % |
|---|---|---|
| GOLD | Global X Physical Gold | +22.27% |
| PMGOLD | Perth Mint Gold | +22.50% |
| ETPMAG | Physical Silver | +103.79% |
| GDX | VanEck Gold Miners ETF | +60.85% |
| QAU | Gold Bullion Currency Hedged ETF | +34.36% |
Disclaimer
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Last updated: January 2026
