SGOL — Aberdeen Standard Physical Gold Shares ETF
SGOL holds physical gold bars in Zurich, Switzerland, offering a non-US custodian arrangement as a distinguishing feature from US-vaulted competitors. At 0.17%, it is cheaper than both GLD and IAU while offering Swiss storage that some investors view as an additional layer of geopolitical diversification. SGOL provides a credible lower-cost alternative for gold exposure with independent Swiss vault custody.
Top Holdings
Strategy
- →Use for lower-cost physically backed gold exposure with Swiss vault custody
- →Complement US-vaulted gold ETFs (GLD, IAU) with non-US jurisdictional diversification
- →Hold as a cost-efficient gold allocation at 0.17% between GLDM (0.10%) and IAU (0.25%)
- →Pair with silver for a broader precious metals allocation
Best For
- ✓Investors who specifically value non-US vault location for their gold holdings
- ✓Cost-conscious gold buyers who want physical backing cheaper than IAU
- ✓Those interested in Swiss custodianship as a geopolitical diversification measure
- ✓Precious metals investors who want options beyond the GLD/IAU duopoly
Key Risks
- ⚠Lower AUM and liquidity than GLD and IAU — wider bid-ask spreads possible
- ⚠Swiss storage provides geopolitical diversification but also introduces foreign jurisdiction considerations
- ⚠No income from physical gold
- ⚠Gold price risk applies equally regardless of vault location
Similar ETFs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why store gold in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a long history as a neutral country with strong property rights, stable governance, and world-class precious metals vaulting infrastructure. Some investors view non-US storage as a hedge against US-specific regulatory or confiscation risk. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Is SGOL cheaper than IAU?
Yes. SGOL charges 0.17% versus IAU's 0.25%. GLDM is even cheaper at 0.10%, but SGOL offers the Swiss storage distinction that GLDM does not. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Is SGOL as liquid as GLD?
No. GLD has far greater daily trading volume and tighter bid-ask spreads due to its much larger AUM and institutional following. SGOL is liquid enough for most retail investors but less suitable for very large block trades. This is educational content, not financial advice.
Does SGOL pay dividends?
No. Physical gold generates no income. All returns come from gold price changes. This is educational content, not financial advice.
What is the gold purity standard for SGOL?
SGOL holds .9999 fine gold bars (99.99% purity) meeting the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) good delivery standard, the globally recognized benchmark for gold quality. This is educational content, not financial advice.
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