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.
 

Pour la sélection d’un precious metals ETFs/ETCs, outre la méthodologie de l’indice et les performances, d’autres facteurs jouent un rôle important lors de la décision. Pour faciliter la comparaison, vous trouverez une liste des precious metals avec les indications relatives à la taille, aux frais, à l’utilisation des revenus, au domicile du fonds et à la méthode de réplication classée en fonction de la taille des fonds.

Comparaison détaillée de tous les Precious metals ETFs/ETCs
Comparaison graphique de tous les Precious metals ETFs/ETCs

Source : justETF.com ; situation au : 25/03/2025

Comparaison des performances des precious metals ETFs/ETCs

Le tableau suivant compare les performances de tous les precious metals ETFs/ETCs. Toutes les indications relatives aux performances sont données à la fin du mois et comprennent les distributions. Outre les performances à une date de référence, l’évolution dans le temps est décisive pour la comparaison des ETFs. Pour cela, servez-vous aussi de nos comparaisons graphiques.

• Par périodes
• Par années

Source : justETF.com ; situation au : 28/02/2025 ; indications en EUR, distributions comprises