How to Invest in Metal ETFs: A Beginner's Guide (2025)
A comprehensive guide to metal ETF investing covering market analysis, ETF selection, step-by-step strategies, and risk management for beginners.
How to Invest in Metal ETFs: A Beginner's Guide (2025)
Article Summary
This guide provides essential knowledge for metal ETF investing, including market trends, ETF types, practical investment steps, and risk warnings to help beginners build a diversified portfolio using instruments like XME.
Market Overview
September 26, 2025 marked a turning point for U.S. stocks as the metals and mining sector outperformed while tech stocks struggled. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65% to 46,247.29, the S&P 500 gained 0.59% to 6,643.70, and the Nasdaq inched up 0.44% to 22,484.07.
Key Changes
- Metal ETF Outperformance: SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) surged 43.61% year-over-year, outperforming the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks by nearly 20 percentage points.
- Driving Factors: U.S. August core PCE rose 2.9% (in line with expectations) easing inflation concerns; safe-haven demand pushed COMEX gold futures to $3,789.8/ounce and silver to 14-year high of $46.365/ounce.
- Liquidity Metrics: XME trades 1.7 million shares daily with an expense ratio of 0.35%.
Investment Advice
Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account
Choose platforms like Robinhood, ETRADE, or Fidelity that offer:
- $10 minimum deposit
- Commission-free ETF trades
- Fractional share capabilities
Step 2: Select Your Metal ETF (3 Key Criteria)
- Expense Ratio: Prioritize funds under 0.5% (XME's 0.35% is competitive)
- Liquidity: Ensure daily trading volume exceeds 1 million shares
- Tracking Accuracy: Verify correlation with underlying index (XME tracks S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index)
Step 3: Risk Management Strategies
- Allocate 5-10% of portfolio to metal ETFs for diversification
- Set stop-loss orders at 10% below purchase price
- Avoid leveraged ETFs which amplify volatility
⚠️ Important Reminder: Investing involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This analysis is for educational purposes only and not financial advice.
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