Is NUGG a good ETF?
NUGG is the VanEck Gold Bullion ETF from VanEck. It tracks the LBMA Gold Price (AUD). We classify it under Commodities. With about $248 million in assets it is a solidly established fund.
On a total-return basis, NUGG has delivered 27.14% a year over 3 years (ranked 17th of 236 ETFs we track) and 3.75% a year over 1 year (ranked 177th of 318 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 3 years, where it sits in the top 7% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.14% is very low — typical of low-cost index funds. That's cheaper than the typical 0.49% for similar ETFs. It pays a low 0% yield, so most of its return must come from capital growth.
Over the past 3 years its volatility has been elevated (annualised standard deviation around 17.6%), meaning noticeably larger swings than the broad market. Its 3-year Sharpe ratio of 1.23 is strong — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Strengths
- Top-7% returns over 3 years (17th of 236 ETFs we track).
- Low-cost: a 0.14% management fee keeps more of the return in your pocket.
- Strong risk-adjusted returns (3-year Sharpe ratio 1.23).
Good to know
- Low 0% yield — this is a growth-oriented fund, not an income play.
What NUGG's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Exposure to physical commodities (gold, silver, oil) or the companies that produce them. A portfolio diversifier and a classic inflation hedge.
- Market regime
- Gold in particular tends to shine during crises, high inflation and falling real interest rates. Commodities generate no yield or earnings and can trend sideways for years.
- In a portfolio
- A tactical or satellite allocation for diversification and inflation protection — not a long-term compounding engine.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.