The Battle of the Gold ETFs: Is AAAU Better Than GLD?

The whole ETF debate misses the point for serious stackers. AAAU versus GLD is like arguing which IOU is prettier when the bank runs dry. Both track paper gold, not physical delivery. When crisis hits and premiums spike, your ETF shares won't help you barter or hedge real inflation. The expense ratio difference is noise compared to counterparty risk. COMEX is already showing strain with record delivery demands. Central banks aren't buying ETF shares—they're taking physical bars off the market. Smart money follows the metal, not the paper. Stack physical first, worry about trading vehicles later.