SPDR Gold ETF vs. VanEck Gold Miners ETF: Distinct Returns and Risk Profiles
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: Fool
- Cost Structure Comparison: SPDR Gold ETF has an annual expense ratio of 0.40%, lower than VanEck Gold Miners ETF's 0.51%, making GLD more cost-effective for long-term holders, thus appealing to investors seeking stable investments.
- Return Performance Difference: As of January 22, 2026, GLD's one-year return stands at 77.6%, while GDX boasts a remarkable 180.2%, showcasing the high leverage effect of mining stocks during gold price surges, albeit with higher risks.
- Maximum Drawdown Analysis: Over the past five years, GLD's maximum drawdown was -21.03%, significantly lower than GDX's -46.52%, indicating that GLD offers better protection during market volatility, making it suitable for risk-averse investors.
- Investment Strategy Choice: GLD provides direct exposure to gold prices, ideal for those looking to avoid mining risks, while GDX caters to investors willing to accept higher risks for potentially greater returns, reflecting differing investment strategies and risk appetites.
Analyst Views on AEM
Wall Street analysts forecast AEM stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AEM is 184.54 USD with a low forecast of 1.60 USD and a high forecast of 231.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
12 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 215.410
Low
1.60
Averages
184.54
High
231.00
Current: 215.410
Low
1.60
Averages
184.54
High
231.00
About AEM
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a Canada-based and led senior gold mining company engaged in producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of exploration and development projects. Its operations include Canadian Malartic Complex, Detour Lake, Fosterville, Goldex, Kittila, La India, LaRonde Complex, Macassa, Meadowbank Complex, Meliadine and Pinos Altos. Its exploration sites include Barsele, Delta, Dubuisson, El Barqueno, Hammond Reef, Hope Bay, Jennings, Morelos Sur, North Madsen, Northern Territory, Pandora/Wood-Pandora, and others. The Canadian Malartic complex is located in the town of Malartic, 25 kilometers (km) west of Val-d’Or in northwestern Quebec. The Fosterville mine is a high-grade, low-cost underground gold mine, located 20 km from the city of Bendigo. It also owns a 100% interest in all its properties (128,680 hectares) in Quebec. Its projects also include Marban Alliance, Horizon, Alpha, Launay, Peacock, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
