Gold ETF
SEBI-regulated exchange-traded funds backed by physical gold.
Rates as on 26 September 2026 · Updated 27 September 2026Overview
Gold ETFs are mutual-fund schemes that hold 99.5% pure physical gold in vaults and trade on stock exchanges like shares. One unit usually represents about 1 g (or 0.01 g) of gold. You need a demat and trading account.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | SEBI |
| Backing | Physical gold with custodian |
| Expense ratio | ≈0.3%–1% p.a. |
| Account | Demat + trading |
| Tax | LTCG 12.5% after 12 months |
Why ETFs
- No making, storage or purity risk
- Buy in small quantities
- High liquidity on NSE/BSE
- Pledgeable in many brokerages
What to check
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Expense ratio | Lower is better |
| Tracking error | Deviation from domestic gold price |
| Liquidity / volume | Tighter bid-ask spreads |
| AUM | Larger funds are generally more liquid |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a demat account?
Yes. Without demat, use a gold mutual fund.
Is there GST?
No.
Gold rates are indicative market references (26 September 2026) and change during the day. Rules on tax, hallmarking and investment products can change — verify with official sources. FinancePortal does not sell gold.