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What is Gold ETF?

What is Gold ETF?

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Last Updated On: 29 Oct 2025

5 min read

A Gold ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a financial instrument that allows investors to invest in gold without holding physical gold. It is traded on the stock exchange just like shares and reflects the real-time market price of gold.

Gold ETF Full Form and Meaning

The Gold ETF full form is Gold Exchange-Traded Fund. It is a mutual fund that invests in physical gold and tracks its price movements, offering investors exposure to gold in an electronic format.

How to Invest in Gold ETF?

  • Open a Demat and Trading Account with a stockbroker.
  • Choose a Gold ETF fund listed on NSE or BSE.
  • Buy units of the Gold ETF, just like stocks.
  • The investment is backed by physical gold, held by the fund house.

Benefits of Gold ETF

  • Safety & Convenience – No risk of theft, unlike physical gold.
  • Liquidity – Easily bought and sold on stock exchanges.
  • Transparency – Gold prices are updated in real-time.
  • Low Costs – No making charges or storage costs.
  • Diversification – A hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Gold ETF Returns

  • Returns are directly linked to gold prices in India.
  • Over the years, Gold ETFs have provided stable returns during economic downturns.
  • Performance varies based on global gold demand, inflation, and currency fluctuations.

Gold ETF Taxation

  • Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If sold within 3 years, taxed as per investor’s income tax slab.
  • Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If held for more than 3 years, taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
  • No GST, making charges, or wealth tax, unlike physical gold.

Conclusion

Investing in Gold ETFs is a smart and efficient way to gain exposure to gold without the hassles of physical ownership. With gold ETF taxation benefits, liquidity, and stable returns, they are an excellent addition to a diversified investment portfolio.

To know more click here:

Understanding Gold ETFs and Silver ETFs

AMFI - GOLD ETF

Disclaimer:

The information is for general purposes only and not an investment advice. Readers should seek professional advice before taking any investment related decisions.

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FAQs

How is Gold ETF different from physical gold?

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Gold ETFs offer electronic investment in gold, eliminating risks of storage, theft, and making charges associated with physical gold.
 

Is Gold ETF better than physical gold?

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Yes, for investors looking for security, liquidity, and tax efficiency, Gold ETFs are a better option.
 

Can I take physical delivery of gold from a Gold ETF?

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No, Gold ETFs are traded electronically and do not offer physical gold redemption.
 

Are Gold ETFs good for long-term investment?

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Yes, they act as a safe-haven asset and hedge against inflation, making them suitable for long-term portfolios.
 

How do I sell my Gold ETF units?

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Gold ETFs can be sold through stock exchanges via a trading account at market prices.
 

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An Investor Education And Awareness Initiative

Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-how to know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investors should only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html). For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/scores-home/. SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMCs or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.

The information is for general purposes only and not an investment advice. Readers should seek professional advice before taking any investment related decisions.

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY