The launch of the GLD ETF 20 years ago revolutionized the way investors could gain exposure to gold. George Milling-Stanley, the founder of the first gold-tracking ETF, remains bullish on the precious metal, citing strong demand from central banks and individual investors in emerging markets like India and China.
Despite a post-election pullback in gold futures and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), the commodity has continued its record run this year. While investors have been flocking to risk-on assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies, gold and the GLD ETF have started to regain lost ground.
The increase in investor demand for gold, particularly through ETFs like GLD, represents a significant shift in the commodity investment landscape. Todd Sohn, ETF and technical strategist at Strategas, notes that GLD has attracted a broader base of investors looking for diversification beyond traditional equity and fixed income instruments.
Since its inception, GLD has seen impressive returns, with a 451% increase overall and a 29% gain in 2024 alone.
The integration of the GLD chart since inception provides a visual representation of the ETF’s performance over the past two decades. This chart can help investors track the historical growth and volatility of GLD, aiding in investment decision-making.
Overall, the GLD ETF has played a crucial role in democratizing access to gold investment, making it easier for a wider range of investors to participate in the precious metal market. As gold continues to shine as a safe-haven asset and inflation hedge, the outlook for GLD remains positive in the eyes of experts like George Milling-Stanley and Todd Sohn.
