Gold Price and the SPDR Gold Shares ETF NYSEARCA:GLD It delivered exceptional returns in 2024, with GLD up more than 30%, outperforming the benchmark and the broader market. This trend has continued into 2025, with GLD up nearly 3% year-to-date through Friday’s close. With gold holding near record highs, the question arises: is this a good time to consider exposure to another year of potential outperformance?
Gold’s continued outperformance
Gold prices rose on Thursday, hitting their highest level in a month after weaker-than-expected US economic data sent Treasury yields lower. The weak core inflation reading reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve is more pessimistic, which fueled demand for gold. Gold ended the week in positive territory despite falling slightly on Friday. GLD, a popular gold ETF that offers exposure without holding physical commodities, is now consolidating in a bullish pattern, sitting just 3.27% below its 52-week high.
Given this setup, which suggests the momentum could continue, let’s examine some of the notable names within the sector that are showing relative strength and key considerations you should be aware of before pulling the trigger.
SPDR Gold Equity Fund: Direct Option
SPDR Gold Stocks Today
SPDR Gold Stocks
As of 04:10 PM ET
- 52 week range
- $183.78
▼
$257.71
- Assets under management
- $75.08 billion
The SPDR Gold Shares ETF is a popular and straightforward option for exposure to gold, with a net expense ratio of 0.4%. Over the past year, total mortgage lending has increased by 34%, and recent net inflows of 1.7% reflect increased investor interest.
Technically, GLD is consolidating above the key simple moving averages (SMA), with $250 acting as a critical resistance level. A break above this level could indicate a move towards an all-time high near $258.
GLD’s location and track record make it an attractive option for those seeking direct exposure to the commodity.
2 Gold stocks showing relative strength
Agnico Eagle Mines today
Agnico Eagle Mine
- 52 week range
- $44.37
▼
$89.00
- Dividend yield
- 1.80%
- P/E ratio
- 44.35
- Price target
- $90.50
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited New York Stock Exchange: AEM Explores and develops gold properties throughout Canada, Australia, Finland, Mexico and more. AEM has a market cap of $42.7 billion and a dividend yield of 1.88%.
The stock has delivered an excellent return for its shareholders, up more than 70% in the past year and nearly 9% year-to-date. From a technical perspective, the stock’s chart is exceptionally bullish, and finding a more attractive chart within the sector has proven to be a challenge. Over the past three months, it has held within a narrow range near its 52-week high, with the $86 level acting as a key resistance level and a potential breakout point.
The stock’s technical setup and relative strength put it in a positive position for further upward momentum, especially if gold prices continue on their upward trajectory. Analysts remain bullish, giving the stock a consensus average Buy rating and a price target that indicates additional upside potential of about 5%.
Kinross Gold Today
Kinross Gold
- 52 week range
- $4.75
▼
$10.82
- Dividend yield
- 1.13%
- P/E ratio
- 17.43
- Price target
- $11.13
Kinross Gold Company New York Stock Exchange: KGC It operates in the United States, Brazil, Chile and beyond. The company has a market capitalization of $12.6 billion, a dividend yield of 1.16%, and a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.89.
KGC stands out among its larger peers due to its impressive performance. Year to date, the stock is up more than 11% and is up nearly 90% over the past year. By Friday’s close, KGC was trading above all major simple moving averages (SMAs) and is now just 4.7% away from its 52-week high, the critical breakout level.
The company’s financial performance was also impressive. In its third-quarter 2024 earnings report, released on November 5, KGC posted EPS of $0.24, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.05. Revenue for the quarter rose 29.9% year over year, to $1.43 billion, which also beat expectations of $1.32 billion. Although covered by just three analysts, KGC carries a Moderate Buy rating and a consensus price target that expects approximately 8% upside potential.
With its bullish technical setup, strong earnings growth, and positive analyst sentiment, Kinross Gold remains a compelling option for investors looking for exposure to the gold sector.
Key Considerations for Gold Investments
There are various factors driving gold’s performance, including economic stability, inflation, the strength of the US dollar, and geopolitical tensions. During periods of uncertainty, gold’s appeal as a safe haven increases. In addition, central bank purchases and interest rate movements significantly impact the sector.
Investors in this sector need to stay aware of these dynamics. With gold prices showing resilience and GLD stability near the highs, the sector continues to provide opportunities for both momentum traders and long-term investors. However, careful study of macroeconomic trends is essential to navigate this complex market effectively.
As gold consolidates and absorbs its recent record gains, the combination of ETFs like GLD and outperforming stocks like AEM and KGC provides multiple paths for investors looking for exposure to this historically defensive asset class.
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