US-listed · NYSE Arca · FIF-eligible (above NZ$50K)
VanEck GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF
Tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index — large + mid-cap gold mining companies globally (Newmont, Barrick, Agnico Eagle, etc).
Updated Reviewed quarterly
About this fund
What is GDX?
GDX is the US-listed ticker for VanEck Gold Miners ETF, issued by VanEck. Tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index — large + mid-cap gold mining companies globally (Newmont, Barrick, Agnico Eagle, etc). TER is 0.51% per year, with a trailing 12-month distribution yield of approximately 1.2%. Distributions are paid annual.
How to buy
Where can I buy GDX from New Zealand?
Hatch NZ-built. US$3 flat per trade, ~0.5% FX.
Stake Commission-free US shares; ~0.7% FX.
Sharesies NZ + AU + US in one account; tiered subscription pricing.
Interactive Brokers Tiered commissions; FX margin ~0.002% (lowest published of platforms reviewed).
See the full platform comparison for fees, minimums, and supported markets across all 11 NZ-accessible brokers.
NZ tax
How is GDX taxed for NZ investors?
GDX is US-listed, so it sits in the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost basis. Below that threshold, the FIF regime does not apply and you pay tax on dividends only.
Above NZ$50K cost basis, most NZ retail investors use the Fair Dividend Rate (FDR) method — deemed income = 5% × opening market value × your marginal tax rate. FDR vs CV method →
US dividends carry 15% US withholding tax under the NZ–US tax treaty (file a W-8BEN with your broker; without it, the rate is 30%). The 15% can be claimed as a foreign tax credit on your IR3.
Tax outcomes depend on your portfolio size, marginal rate, and FDR-vs-CV election. See PIE vs FIF for the full comparison and consult a registered NZ tax adviser for personalised guidance.
FAQ
Common questions about GDX
What is the GDX ETF? ⌄
GDX is the VanEck Gold Miners ETF — it tracks the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, holding ~50 large- and mid-cap gold mining companies globally (Newmont, Barrick, Agnico Eagle, Franco-Nevada, etc). TER is 0.51%, distributions paid annually. Yield ~1.2%. Suited to investors who want operational gold-mining exposure rather than physical bullion.
GDX vs GLD or IAU — what's the difference? ⌄
GLD and IAU hold physical gold bullion — they track the gold price directly. GDX holds gold mining COMPANIES — it amplifies gold-price moves through operational leverage (a 10% rise in gold typically produces 15-25% rise in miners; conversely on the downside). Miners also carry company-specific risks (operational issues, currency, jurisdiction) that physical gold doesn't. GDX is higher-volatility than GLD/IAU.
Can NZ residents buy GDX? ⌄
Yes. GDX is available via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies (US market), and Interactive Brokers. Above NZ$50,000 cost basis FIF rules apply. Annual distributions are interest + dividend income mixed; 15% US withholding under the NZ-US treaty (with a W-8BEN) typically applies to the dividend portion.
GDX vs GDXJ — large-cap vs junior gold miners? ⌄
GDX holds large- and mid-cap gold producers with established operations. GDXJ (VanEck Junior Gold Miners) holds smaller exploration and development companies — much higher operational risk, much higher volatility, but more upside leverage in strong gold rallies. GDX is the lower-risk choice in the gold-miner space.
Related ETFs and resources
GLD — SPDR Gold Shares (physical bullion)
Physical gold alternative; lower volatility than gold miners.
IAU — iShares Gold Trust (physical bullion)
iShares low-cost physical gold alternative.
SIVR — Aberdeen Physical Silver
Silver counterpart for diversifying precious-metals exposure.
FIF tax explained
How FIF applies to commodity-equity ETFs.