Summary
SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) reported its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2016. The Trust experienced a notable decrease in its Net Assets, falling from $40.3 billion to $30.6 billion during the quarter. This decline was primarily driven by significant net realized and unrealized losses on its investment in gold, totaling $4.9 billion for the quarter, coupled with substantial share redemptions valued at $6.3 billion, which exceeded creations valued at $1.6 billion. Despite the decrease in assets, the Trust's operational structure remained consistent, with no cash balances held as gold is directly used to cover expenses. The Trust's investment objective is to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less expenses. Investors should note the direct correlation between the Trust's Net Asset Value (NAV) and the price of gold, as well as the impact of the Trust's expenses which have historically caused a divergence from the gold price over time.
Financial Highlights
9 data points| Operating Expenses | $35.92M |
| Net Income | -$4.92B |
| EPS (Basic) | $-16.10 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 305.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net Assets decreased by approximately $9.7 billion, from $40.3 billion to $30.6 billion, during the quarter ended December 31, 2016.
- 2Total expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2016, were $35.9 million, a significant increase from $23.8 million in the prior year period.
- 3The Trust recorded a substantial net realized and change in unrealized loss on its investment in gold of $4.9 billion for the quarter.
- 4Share redemptions ($6.3 billion) significantly outweighed share creations ($1.6 billion) during the quarter.
- 5The Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share decreased from $126.15 at the beginning of the quarter to $110.45 at the end.
- 6The Trust held approximately 26.47 million ounces of gold valued at $30.7 billion as of December 31, 2016.
- 7The Trust maintained zero cash balance as gold is sold to cover operational expenses.