The Best Gold ETF for 2027 Won't Surprise You. It's Still GLD.

As the year 2026 draws to a close, investors are now urged to consider long-term investment options. Among these, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) ETF has caught my attention. As the oldest and largest gold ETF, GLD was launched in November 2009 as the first ETF backed by physical gold to trade in the United States. With a staggering $157.1 billion in assets, it is a favorite among investors seeking exposure to the precious metal.

In my view, this ETF is an excellent choice for both new and experienced investors seeking to add gold to their investment portfolios. Unlike equity-based ETFs that hold stocks, GLD is backed by physical gold, stored in London and custodied by two of the world's largest banks. This eliminates the need for investors to worry about securing and storing actual gold.

Additionally, GLD's price movements are directly tied to the spot market, rather than the futures market, which is beneficial for long-term investors as it is not constrained by the expiration dates of futures contracts.

Recently, gold has shown renewed strength, with the SPDR Gold Shares surging 15.1% in the month ending August 26, 2026. This remarkable gain comes after a rough stretch in which gold failed to maintain its safe-haven status amid the Iran war. However, the yellow metal is now roaring back, making a move towards the psychologically important $5,000-per-ounce level. More importantly, gold appears to be decoupling from interest rates, which is a positive development considering the current high 30-year Treasury yields.

The U.S. government's $40 trillion debt burden is a significant concern, and as this debt level is unlikely to improve in the near future, gold's appeal is likely to grow. Furthermore, key demand drivers for gold are strong, with robust demand for bars and coins in China and India. Asia-listed ETFs that are similar to GLD have also been gaining assets despite the recent challenges faced by gold in early 2026.

Lastly, gold's negative correlation with stocks and bonds makes it an attractive addition to a portfolio that is heavily invested in equities and bonds.

Despite not being listed among the top 10 stocks by Stock Advisor, the SPDR Gold Shares remains a strong contender for long-term investors seeking exposure to the precious metal. As a Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst, I believe that SPDR Gold Shares will continue to be a valuable addition to investors' portfolios well into 2027.