When it comes to investing in gold, the first thought is often buying gold bars and coins. But heading into 2026, gold mining stocks may be the better option.
It’s a simple case of supply and demand. Gold is hitting record highs. In fact, analysts now believe the yellow metal could easily rally to $5,000 in early 2026.
And there's further upside beyond that.
Just days after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by another quarter point, Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anna Paulson says unemployment is a bigger economic threat than inflation, which could open the door for more interest rate cuts in the new year.
"That's partly because I see a decent chance that inflation will come down as we go through next year," the central banker said, as quoted by CNBC.
If that's the case, investors may want to keep an eye on more upside in gold prices. Last trading at $4,342.81, some analysts are arguing for $5,000 gold in the new year. And if that's the case, physical gold, stock, such as Newmont (NEM) and gold mining ETFs could explode higher.
There’s simply not enough supply to meet this demand. And with the price of gold at record levels, it becomes cost-effective for miners. However, investing in mining stocks is a niche market. That can make exchange-traded funds (ETFs) a more appealing option. Here are three of the top gold ETFs to keep an eye on.
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF
Not only can you gain access to some of the biggest gold stocks in the world, you can do so at less cost with the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: GDX).
The ETF holds positions in the top-rated mining stocks, including Newmont Corp. (NYSE: NEM), Barrick Mining (NYSE: B), Franco-Nevada (NYSE: FNV), Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM), Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI), and Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM) to name a few.
Even better, shares of mining stocks often outperform the price of gold. That's because higher gold prices can result in increased profit margins and free cash flow for gold miners. In addition, top gold miners often have limited exposure to riskier mining projects.
Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF
The Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: SGDJ) seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the performance of its underlying index, the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index. The Index aims to track the performance of small-cap gold companies.
Global X Gold Explorers ETF
The Global X Gold Explorers ETF (NYSEARCA: GOEX) invests in companies involved with gold deposit exploration. Some of its top 50 holdings include Coeur Mining, Lundin Gold, Hecla Mining, New Gold Inc., SSR Mining, and Alamos Gold. GOEX also pays a semi-annual dividend.
Final Thoughts on the Gold Mining Opportunity
Gold's powerful move to record highs reflects a market grappling with slowing economic growth, falling interest rates, and persistent supply constraints. If analysts are correct and gold approaches $5,000 in 2026, mining companies could see meaningful upside through expanding margins and stronger cash flow.
For investors, gold mining ETFs offer a practical way to participate in that trend without taking on the risks associated with individual mining stocks. By spreading exposure across established producers, junior miners, and exploration companies, these funds provide diversification while still offering leverage to higher gold prices. As the gold trade continues to grind higher, these ETFs may deserve a place on investors' watchlists.
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