SGDJ is a small cap junior gold ETF, holding stocks of junior golds. It has done exceptionally well with the gold rally, up more than 110% this year. We are comfortable with the fund and its holdings. BUT...because of its holdings, it should be considered more volatile than a gold bullion fund. Gold stocks can go down even if gold rises, and if gold corrects sharply this fund could take a big hit. It is not something we really expect, but 'stocks' will go down more than bullion when things turn. But we like the fund right now for aggressive sector investors.
PHYS holds only gold bullion, held in Canada. Its price will reflect the price of gold primarily. As noted, bullion does not have the same leverage as stocks, but bullion is better for 'insurance' for investors who want some protection against financial calamaties or insurance. Gold should continue to do well if the US dollar stays weak and/or interest rates continue to go down. Gold has broken out this year as it is becoming a way to protect against currency debasement.
Today, we would prefer SGDJ for greater upside in the current sector rally.