The gold rush of 2025 proved that sometimes the picks and shovels outshine the treasure itself. The WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund, known by its ticker GDMN, delivered a stunning 141.21% total return over the past year. While gold itself surged an impressive 60% in 2025, GDMN more than doubled that performance by investing in the companies that dig the gold out of the ground.
When gold soared 60% in 2025, mining stocks in GDMN more than doubled those gains with a spectacular 141% return.
This actively-managed ETF combines two powerful ingredients: shares of gold mining companies from around the world and US-listed gold futures contracts. Launched in December 2021, GDMN has grown to manage $136.36 million across 49 different holdings. The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.45%, which is reasonable for an actively-managed strategy. Investors often allocate 5-10% of a portfolio to gold as a conservative starting point, which can inform how much exposure to take in funds like GDMN.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. GDMN tripled in value during 2025 alone, with a year-to-date return reaching 75.24% by June 30. Since March 2024, the fund has skyrocketed 244%.
Mining stocks in the portfolio soared nearly 145% in 2025, providing leveraged exposure that multiplied gold’s gains. When gold prices rise, mining companies typically enjoy even bigger percentage increases because their profit margins expand rapidly.
Recent performance remained strong through early 2026. The fund delivered a 15.68% return over three months and 2.42% in just one month as of June 30, 2025. Trading prices ranged between a 52-week low of $27.93 and a high of $95.25, showing dramatic appreciation. The fund also pays dividends semi-annually, with a recent yield of 3.03%. The fund’s top two holdings, Newmont Corporation and Barrick, together represent nearly 18% of total assets, providing concentrated exposure to the world’s largest gold miners.
GDMN outpaced competitors including GDX and GDE throughout this period. With a beta of 0.67, it shows less volatility than the broader market while still capturing substantial upside. The fund holds 1.85 million shares outstanding. More investor inflows into gold miners remain possible because miners’ shares are not yet broadly stretched on valuation.
As gold touched $3,700 per ounce, GDMN positioned itself for potential continued success in 2026. Of course, past performance never guarantees future results. But the fund demonstrated that leveraged exposure through mining stocks can amplify returns when precious metals shine. For investors seeking gold exposure with extra punch, GDMN showed what mining leverage can accomplish.
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