No single ETF is the sole option here, but several are 100% physically backed. The best-known example is SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), which holds physical bullion in vaults with custodians like JPMorgan Chase and HSBC.
Other physically-backed options include iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares (SGOL), plus Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS), which offers optional redemption for actual metal.
One nuance: management fees mean the gold backing each share slowly shrinks over time, so “100% backed” refers to holding real bullion rather than futures or derivatives, not a fixed, unchanging gold weight per share. Always check a fund’s prospectus to confirm its specific structure.
