Investment Calculator
Gold ETF Cost Calculator
See how expense ratio, brokerage fees, and exit load eat into your gold ETF returns. Compare physical gold vs ETF cost.
- Gross Value (no costs)
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- Total Expense Drag
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- Net ETF Value
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- vs Physical Gold Loss (%)
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Physical gold avoids expense ratio but has storage/insurance costs. Comparison is illustrative. Not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expense ratio of gold ETFs?+
Popular US gold ETFs: GLD 0.40%, IAU 0.25%, GLDM 0.10%. Indian gold ETFs: 0.40–0.60%. Lower is better over long holding periods.
Does a small expense ratio really matter?+
Yes, significantly over time. At 0.4% vs 0.1% on a $50,000 investment over 20 years, you lose roughly $2,500 more in expense drag.
Is a gold ETF cheaper than physical gold?+
ETFs have no storage cost but charge expense ratio. Physical gold has storage and insurance costs (typically 0.1–0.3% p.a.). For small amounts, ETFs are cheaper.
What is exit load in gold ETFs?+
Most gold ETFs have no exit load (unlike gold mutual funds). Gold mutual funds often charge 1% if redeemed within 1 year.
Can I convert my gold ETF to physical gold?+
Not directly for retail investors. ETF creation/redemption is only available in large lots (usually 1 kg) for authorized participants.