The main Gold Mutual Funds in the US, First Eagle Gold (SGGDX), Gamco Gold AAA (GOLDX), Van Eck Intl Investors Gold C (IIGCX), SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), and Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), are among the most popular gold mutual funds in the US.
First Eagle Gold (SGGDX)
First Eagle Gold (SGGDX) focuses chiefly on gold and has holdings of bullion representing 13.66% of the portfolio. Top holdings include Goldcopr (NYSE: GG), which has a market cap of $43 billion, and AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE: AU) which has a value of about $19 billion. This gold mutual fund's focus is primarily on value, and it tends to do extremely well when gold is in the bear phase.
Gamco Gold AAA (GOLDX)
Over the past 15 year the Gamco Gold AAA (GOLDX) fund has seen annual average returns of 9.31%. When it comes to accomplishing this return, Ceasar Bryan, manager of Gamco Gold AAA for over 15 years, focuses on companies with large proven reserves. The reason for this is due to the thinning deposits of many mines. However, engaging in acquisitions is a must if a boost in production is desired. On the other hand, this situation will contribute in reduction in quality or purity while lowering returns.
Van Eck Intl Investors Gold C (IIGCX)
One of the most valuable assets Van Eck Intl Investors Gold C (IIGCX) fund has is Joe Foster, the fund manager who also happens to be a geologist. He understands the output of mines which helps him invest in early stage gold companies. The fund has produced an average annual return of 28.90% with and expense ratio of 1.95%.
SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD)
While most mutual funds invest little in physical gold, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an Exchange Traded Fund that buys gold bullion. It offers investors a relatively cost and secure way to access the gold market. This ETF fund allows the investor to own gold without having to physically take possession of the bullion. The fund has $57.2 billion in assests and with a fairly low expense ration of 0.40%
Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)
The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) provides exposure to publicly traded companies worldwide involved primarily in gold mining. Its top holdings include Barrick Gold (ABX), GoldCorp (GG), Newmont Mining (NEM) and Kinross Gold (KGC). The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the Gold Miners Index. The Gold Miners Index is a modified market-capitalization weighted index primarily comprised of publicly traded companies involved in the mining for gold and silver.
