Best Gold Stocks 2025: KGC, NGD, AU, NEM, and SPDR GLD

The gold market has been front and center in 2025, capturing investor attention with extraordinary price action and renewed interest in safe-haven assets. As gold surged to all-time highs, leading gold stocks and ETFs have come under the spotlight, offering both opportunities and challenges for investors.

Gold’s performance in 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. The precious metal soared 19% in the first quarter alone, outpacing traditional asset classes such as the S&P 500, the US Dollar Index, and even Bitcoin. April saw gold hit an intra-day record of $3,510, and by early May, it closed at a new high of $3,442. Despite a recent pullback, gold remains up more than $1,300 per ounce in just 18 months.

This volatility has been driven by a confluence of macroeconomic uncertainty, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts later in the year, persistent stagflation risks, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

Here is our take on five of the best gold stocks right now.

Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC)

Kinross Gold has stood out as a top performer among gold equities. As of Friday's close, KGC traded at $14.71, posting a 6.06% gain on the previous week. The stock’s price is firmly above both its 50-day ($13.36) and 200-day ($10.81) simple moving averages, signaling robust bullish momentum. Technical indicators, such as a 14-day RSI of 45.86, suggest the stock is in neutral to slightly bullish territory, while sentiment remains positive despite a “fear” reading on the broader market’s Fear & Greed Index.

However, analysts caution that KGC may be close to fair value in the short term, with a 1-year forecast target of $14.84 implying only modest upside from current levels. The strong recent run-up that has brought gains of 48% YTD could invite a near-term pullback, especially if gold prices consolidate further or if broader equity markets stabilize.

New Gold Inc. (NGD)

New Gold Inc. has experienced pronounced volatility in recent weeks. The stock reached a new 52-week high of $4.34 on Friday, before closing the week with gains of 11.4% at $4.30. There have been a few pullbacks en route to the 64.12% YTD gains, with the stock retesting previous resistance for support.

NGD’s fortunes are closely tied to its Canadian operations, the Rainy River and New Afton mines, and to fluctuations in gold prices. As a penny stock (trading under $5), NGD offers high potential reward but also elevated risk, especially in a market environment where gold prices can swing sharply.

Newmont Corporation (NEM)

Whilst Newmont's stock has outperformed markets in recent times, adding almost 40% YTD, zooming out gives a different view. The 5 year performance reads negative 8%. The company has aggressively reduced debt through asset sales following its $17.14 billion acquisition of Newcrest in 2023, positioning itself for operational resilience and future growth.

AngloGold Ashanti (AU)

AngloGold Ashanti has led the stocks here YTD, with impressive gains of 80% through 2025 propelling the company to a market cap above $22billion. This has returned AU's stock price to levels not seen since 2011, almost 14 years ago.

Looking to historical price action, resistance was previously found in the upper $40-$50 level; although a sustained gold price rally may provide all the momentum required to return to previous heights.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): ETF Alternative for Diversification

For investors seeking exposure to gold without the operational risks of mining stocks, the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) continues to be a favoured vehicle. GLD tracks the spot price of gold with high liquidity, making it an attractive option for portfolio diversification, especially during periods of heightened market uncertainty.

Gains of 26% YTD are nothing to be sniffed at, and with the ETF providing a more ‘simplistic' way to enter the market, without the intricacies of stock picking, this can be a good entry vehicle for less experienced investors.

With gold maintaining its status as a premier safe-haven asset, leading gold stocks and ETFs remain compelling options for investors seeking both growth and protection. However, the sector’s recent gains and heightened volatility call for selectivity and caution. The interplay between macroeconomic policy, inflation, and geopolitical developments will likely shape the trajectory of gold and its related equities.