BAR — GraniteShares Gold Trust
BAR is GraniteShares' physically backed gold ETF, originally launched at 0.175% to compete aggressively on cost with IAU (0.25%) and GLD (0.40%). It holds allocated physical gold bars in ICBC Standard Bank's London vaults. BAR emerged as part of a competitive wave of lower-cost gold ETFs targeting retail buy-and-hold investors. Though smaller than GLD or IAU, it provides legitimate physical gold exposure at a competitive fee.
Top Holdings
Strategy
- →Hold as a cost-efficient gold alternative when GLDM is not available on your platform
- →Use for physical gold exposure at 0.17% — competitive against IAU and SGOL
- →Allocate as part of a 5–10% precious metals sleeve in a diversified portfolio
- →Monitor for any platform commission structures that might favor GLD/IAU over BAR
Best For
- ✓Cost-conscious gold investors who want an alternative to the largest issuers
- ✓Those who prefer a smaller, more nimble ETF provider competing on price
- ✓Investors seeking physical gold backing at sub-IAU fees from a non-legacy provider
- ✓Portfolio builders who are flexible about issuer brand as long as cost and backing are competitive
Key Risks
- ⚠Significantly smaller AUM than GLD or IAU — lower liquidity and potentially wider spreads
- ⚠Less brand recognition may result in wider bid-ask spreads in volatile markets
- ⚠Custodian concentration risk with ICBC Standard Bank vault arrangement
- ⚠No income from physical gold holdings
Similar ETFs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BAR physically backed by gold?
Yes. BAR holds allocated physical gold bars stored in ICBC Standard Bank's vaults in London, meeting LBMA good delivery standards. This is educational content, not financial advice.
How does BAR compare in cost?
BAR charges 0.17%, placing it between GLDM (0.10%) and IAU (0.25%). It is significantly cheaper than GLD (0.40%). This is educational content, not financial advice.
Is BAR risky because it's from a smaller issuer?
The physical gold backing is independently audited and held in allocated form, reducing counterparty risk from GraniteShares itself. However, smaller issuers may face business risk (e.g., fund closure) that larger issuers do not. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Does BAR pay dividends?
No, physical gold ETFs generate no income. Returns come entirely from gold price movements. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Can I access BAR on all brokerages?
BAR is a publicly traded ETF available on most US brokerage platforms. Some commission-free platforms may offer it commission-free; others may not. Check your brokerage for specifics. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Recommended Resources
Tools & books I actually use and recommend
Interactive Brokers
Low commissions, global market access, and professional-grade tools. This is where I hold my positions.
Open an AccountA Random Walk Down Wall Street
Burton Malkiel's classic case for index investing. The book that convinced millions to stop stock-picking.
View on AmazonTradingView
Best charting platform out there. Real-time data, screeners, and a community of millions of traders.
Try TradingViewSome links above are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use. See my full disclosures.