Gold Soars Past $5,000, Lifting Gold ETFs Over 21% YTD
SPDR Gold Trust is up 19.05% YTD, VanEck Gold Miners ETF 21.93%, Newmont posted 19.55% growth with $7.3 billion free cash flow and Gold.com reported $6.48 billion revenue. Gold broke above $5,000 to near $5,400 per ounce on U.S.-Iran tensions, sending crude past $76 a barrel and igniting safe-haven demand.
1. Geopolitical Tensions Drive Gold Surge
Gold prices broke above $5,000 per ounce and reached near $5,400 as U.S.-Iran tensions threatened oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. WTI crude climbed above $76 per barrel during the same period, reinforcing gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset during market volatility.
2. SPDR Gold Trust’s YTD Performance
SPDR Gold Trust holds $174.1 billion in net assets and tracks physical bullion with a 0.40% expense ratio. The fund has gained 19.05% year-to-date and 75.35% over the past year, attracting notable institutional positions from billionaires.
3. VanEck Gold Miners ETF Details
VanEck Gold Miners ETF comprises about 50 mining companies, with Newmont, Agnico Eagle and Barrick representing roughly 32% of its portfolio. The ETF carries a 0.51% expense ratio, $33.6 billion in assets and has returned 21.93% YTD and 166.63% over the past year, benefiting from operating leverage.
4. Newmont and Gold.com Highlights
Newmont delivered adjusted EPS of $2.52 in Q4 2025, beating consensus by 28% and generating a record $7.3 billion in free cash flow, up 146.5% year-over-year. Gold.com posted a 64.49% year-to-date gain and reported $6.48 billion in revenue, reflecting strong investor interest and higher bullion prices.