How to invest in precious metals using ETFs/ETCs

How can I invest in precious metals?

With ETFs you not only have the opportunity to invest in equity or bonds. You can also participate in the price development of commodities like precious metals. However, there are a few things you should know: commodity ETFs always track a whole basket of different commodities, covering at least some of the following segments:
 

• Energy: oil and gas
• Precious metals: gold, silver and platinum
• Industrial metals: e.g. zinc and copper
• Agriculture: including wheat and coffee
• Livestock: live cattle and lean hogs

Why there are no precious metals ETFs in most European countries

There are no precious metals ETFs that are domiciled within the European Union. This is due to the regulatory framework which is defined by the UCITS directive. According to these guidelines, an index (and thus also corresponding ETFs) must always provide a minimum degree of diversification and may not consist of only a few components. Consequently, regulations in the EU do not allow the launch of a precious metals ETF.

If you want to invest particularly in precious metals, you can do so via Exchange Traded Commodities (ETC). Please have a look at our article "What is an ETC?" for a detailed explanation of the similarities and differences between ETFs and ETCs.
 

Collateralisation of precious metals ETCs

Some precious metals ETCs indicate the spot price and are physically backed. This means that physical holdings of the respective precious metals are stored in the treasury of a trustee as collateral for the corresponding ETC. Other ETCs track the value of the precious metals based on futures contracts. These ETCs are also backed with collateral, which is usually checked on a daily basis. However, the collateral in such a case is not in the form of precious metal stocks, but in the form of cash investments or securities with top credit standing.

In this investment guide you will find all ETCs that allow you to invest in precious metals.
 

When choosing a precious metals ETF or ETC one should consider several other factors in addition to the methodology of the underlying index and performance of an ETF. For better comparison, you will find a list of all precious metals ETFs/ETCs with details on size, cost, age, income, domicile and replication method ranked by fund size.

Compare all precious metals ETFs/ETCs in detail
Compare all precious metals ETFs/ETCs in a chart

Source: justETF.com; As of 25.03.25

Return comparison of all precious metals ETFs/ETCs

The table shows the returns of all precious metals ETFs/ETCs in comparison. All return figures are including dividends as of month end. Besides the return the reference date on which you conduct the comparison is important. In order to find the best ETFs, you can also perform a chart comparison.

• Cumulative
• Calendar year

Source: justETF.com; As of 28.02.25; Calculations in EUR including dividends