What are GLTR and XME and how do they fundamentally differ in their investment approach?

GLTR (Fund A) is a commodities-focused ETF providing pure exposure to precious metals via a diversified basket structure, while XME (Fund B) is a natural resources ETF targeting the industrial base metals and mining sectors. Their fundamental difference lies in the asset class: precious metals versus industrial base metals. This leads to distinct risk profiles and performance drivers.

What is an expense ratio, and how does the fee structure compare between these two funds?

An expense ratio is an annual fee charged by a fund for managing assets, deducted from the fund's returns. GLTR (Fund A) has a relatively high expense ratio of 0.60%, whereas XME (Fund B) has a lower fee of 0.35%. Over time, this 0.25 percentage point difference can significantly impact an investor's overall net return, particularly in long-term holdings.

Why are top-10 holdings data not available for both funds, and what does it mean for investors?

The specific top-10 holdings data for GLTR (Fund A) is not publicly available. For XME (Fund B), while top holdings are listed, overall sector weights and complete index details are missing. This lack of transparency prevents investors from assessing exact portfolio concentration or specific company exposure, requiring them to rely solely on the stated fund objectives and available asset-level information.

How do the dividend policies and income generation capabilities differ between GLTR and XME?

GLTR (Fund A) provides no yield, as its dividend rate is 0.00%, reflecting its commodity basket nature. XME (Fund B), however, pays a modest dividend yield of 0.32%. This difference stems from their structures: GLTR holds commodity derivatives for direct exposure, while XME holds mining and metal company equities, which may distribute earnings to shareholders.

What level of diversification is achieved when investing in a precious metals basket versus a broad metals sector fund?

GLTR (Fund A) achieves diversification within the narrow precious metals complex by using a basket structure, reducing single-metal risk. XME (Fund B) provides broader sector diversification across various industrial base metals and mining equity companies. While both offer sector-level diversification, XME's equity holdings expose investors to corporate management risks, whereas GLTR primarily tracks the underlying commodity markets directly.

Is there any overlap in the top 10 holdings between GLTR and XME?

The provided data for GLTR (Fund A) shows no top holdings are available for comparison. For XME (Fund B), the top holdings include equity companies like CLF, NEM, and FCX. Consequently, no overlap exists between their disclosed top-10 holdings, highlighting the structural difference between GLTR's direct commodity basket exposure and XME's industrial equity portfolio.

What types of long-term investment goals are typically associated with commodity ETFs versus equity sector ETFs?

GLTR (Fund A), providing pure precious metals exposure, is often associated with inflation protection and portfolio diversification goals. XME (Fund B), offering broad exposure to base metals and mining, is typically linked to capturing economic growth and cyclical industrial demand. The choice depends on the desired market sensitivity and inflation hedge function.

How do the market drivers and sensitivity of a precious metals basket differ from those of industrial mining equities?

Precious metals, like those in GLTR (Fund A), are primarily driven by monetary policy, inflation expectations, and safe-haven demand. Industrial mining equities in XME (Fund B) depend on broader economic cycles, manufacturing growth, and commodity price volatility. This creates distinct performance profiles, particularly during periods of economic expansion versus financial stress.

What is the primary risk factor for investing in base metals and mining companies like those potentially held in XME?

The primary risk factor for XME (Fund B) is its dependence on cyclical industrial demand and commodity price volatility, compounded by the fact that holdings are concentrated in equity rather than physical commodities. This makes the fund sensitive to both global economic conditions affecting metals consumption and the operational performance of the underlying mining companies.

Why might the higher expense ratio of GLTR be justified despite its zero yield?

The 0.60% expense ratio of GLTR (Fund A) reflects the higher operational costs associated with structuring and maintaining a diversified basket of commodity derivatives. The fee is for precise, pure precious metals exposure, offering potential inflation protection and diversification. This direct structural access is valued differently than XME's (Fund B) equity portfolio approach.

How should beginners approach using the fund data provided for GLTR and XME?

Beginners should compare the available metrics like expense ratios, yields, and net assets. Crucially, they must acknowledge that key data, such as top holdings and sector weights, are not available for either fund. This limits portfolio assessment, so focus on the stated objectives, cost differences, and structural nature (commodity basket versus mining equities) for comparison.

GLTR vs XME

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare GLTR and XME to see how they differ in fees, holdings, dividends and market focus. GLTR targets precious metals with a 0.60% expense ratio and zero yield. XME covers industrial mining with a 0.35% expense ratio and 0.32% yield. This page outlines how each fund tracks its sector. Educational content, not financial advice.

Compare GLTR and XME to see how they differ in fees, holdings, dividends and market focus. GLTR targets precious metals with a 0.60% expense ratio and zero yield. XME covers industrial mining with a 0...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

GLTR

Metric

XME

0.60%

Expense Ratio

0.35%

0.00%

Dividend Yield

0.32%

$2.77B

Net Assets

$4.40B

4

Holdings

39

Oct 22, 2010

Inception Date

Jun 19, 2006

–

Index Tracked

–

Commodities Focused

Fund Category

Natural Resources

XME costs about $25.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

GLTR

Pros

The fund provides pure precious metals exposure via a diversified basket structure.
It benefits from a long history and substantial assets under management.
The commodity nature offers potential inflation protection and portfolio diversification.

Considerations

The expense ratio is relatively high at 0.60 percent.
Investors receive no yield as the dividend rate is 0.00 percent.
Key holdings and index data are currently not publicly available.

XME

Pros

Lower costs are evident with an expense ratio of just 0.35 percent.
The fund pays a modest dividend yield of 0.32 percent.
It offers broad exposure to base metals and mining sectors.

Considerations

Returns depend on cyclical industrial demand and commodity price volatility.
Holdings are concentrated in equity rather than physical commodities.
Sector weights and specific index details are not available.

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About GLTR and XME

GLTR (GLTR)

GLTR is presented here as a ticker symbol without a named company. Before considering any investment, verify whether GLTR represents an ordinary share, ETF, trust, ADR or another instrument and identify the issuing company or fund manager. Check the exchange where it trades, the issuer’s website and regulatory filings for fundamentals, strategy, holdings, fees, market capitalisation and liquidity. Key considerations include sector exposure, revenue and earnings trends, balance-sheet strength, and — for funds — expense ratio and tracking error. Also review dividend policy, tax treatment and average trading volume. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns: values can fall as well as rise. This summary is general educational information only and not personalised advice. Suitability depends on your financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance; consult a qualified financial adviser if you need tailored guidance.

XME (XME)

S&P Metals and Mining SPDR ETF (XME) provides targeted exposure to US-listed companies in the metals and mining sector by tracking the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index. The ETF concentrates on firms involved in steel, aluminium, diversified mining, and related equipment and services, making it sensitive to commodity prices, industrial demand and global growth cycles. Investors use XME to express a sector-specific view or to complement broader commodity or materials holdings, but it is typically more volatile than broad-market ETFs because of concentration and cyclical drivers. Important practical considerations include the ETF’s expense ratio, liquidity, holdings concentration and dividend policies. As with any sector play, returns can be uneven and past performance does not predict future results. This summary is educational only and not personal investment advice — suitability depends on individual goals, risk tolerance and time horizon; consult a qualified adviser if unsure.

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