Top 5 ASX Gold ETFs for Australian Investors in 2026

Last Updated on 18th september 2026

Over the last two years, we have seen a gold bull run, led by massive gold buying from various countries, with China emerging as the leading buyer. The main reason for this massive buying is the current geopolitical situation and global uncertainties.

These three are the top gold based ETFs supported by strong return generation, low expense ratios, and diversification benefits in periods of volatility.

1. Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS)

One of the best gold based ETFs, which seeks to provide exposure to an index of the largest global gold miners, hedged into Australian dollars. It consists of 47 holdings.

This can offer a potential diversification and defensive benefit as gold miners’ performance is closely correlated to the price of gold, which has a history of performing well in periods of market volatility and uncertainty.

MNRS delivered a strong performance with a 1 month return of 31.04%, 1 year return of 57.81%, and a 3 year return of 51.28% per annum. On a calendar year basis, CY24 generated a return of 18.13%, and CY25 has generated a massive return of 150.6%.

They have a 12 month distribution yield of 7.2% with a semi annual distribution. The ETF has a management fee and expense of 0.47% and 0.10% per annum, respectively.

MNRS has a sector based allocation of 84.3% in gold, 8.5% in silver, and 7.2% in precious metals & minerals. Country wise, it has the maximum allocation in Canada with 43.3%, followed by 15.8% in the United States, 11.7% in South Africa, and the remaining allocation to different countries.  

2. Betashares Gold Bullion Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: QAU)

One of the top ETFs, backed by physical bullion, and it tracks the performance of the price of gold. It is hedged for currency movements in the AUD/USD exchange rate (before fees and expenses).

QAU invests its assets into the physical gold bullion, which is maintained in an account with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. in a London vault (or, on a temporary basis, by an authorized subcustodian). The gold bullion meets the standards required for certification as ‘London Good Delivery Bars,' as specified by the London Bullion Market Association.

Betashares Gold ETF has delivered a strong performance with a 1 month return of 9.38%, 1 year return of 28.42%, and a 3 year return of 29.39% (p.a.). In CY24 it has generated a return of 24.22%, and in CY25 the ETF delivers a massive return of 62.75%.

The ETF has a 100% asset allocation in gold bullion and follows an annual distribution with an annual distribution yield of 5%. It has a management fee and expenses of 0.49% and 0.10% per annum, respectively.

3. Global X Physical Gold Structured (ASX: GOLD)

One of the largest and most liquid gold backed exchange traded products in Australia. It delivers a cost effective solution with the lowest bid/ask spread in the market.

GOLD has delivered strong performance with a 1 month return of 7.5%, 1 year return of 17.3%, and a 5 year return of 13%. Over the last two years the ETF has performed very well, with a CY24 return of 39% and a massive return of 52.6% in CY25.

Global X Physical Gold Structured has continued to deliver investors' returns, mirroring the growth in the Australian dollar gold price with a management fee and cost of 0.4% per annum.

The benchmark has a good diversification benefit with a negative correlation of  -0.14 with global equity,  -0.23 with WTI crude oil, and  -0.29 with energy. It also has a strong correlation with silver of 0.75

(Source: Company Announcements)