The Problem with Gold ETFs and What to Do Instead

Gold ETFs aren’t real gold. Central banks are demanding delivery while you’re left holding paper promises. Discover why physical gold matters.
Central Banks Are Taking Delivery. Why Aren’t You?
Physical gold vs ETF: it’s a distinction Wall Street desperately hopes you never understand. While central banks are demanding physical gold delivery at historic levels, retail investors are sold paper proxies that could evaporate in a crisis.
If you’re counting on a gold ETF to protect you when the dollar dies, think again. As the system edges closer to collapse, only those holding tangible assets will have real protection.
Here’s what central banks know — and what you must understand — before it’s too late.
Gold ETFs: Paper Promises with Hidden Risks
Wall Street markets gold ETFs as a convenient, “safe” way to gain exposure to gold. But convenience comes at a cost:
- You don’t own gold. You own a claim, not a bar or coin.
- Unallocated risk. Your share is a slice of a gold pool — with no specific allocation.
- Redemption in crisis? Not guaranteed. ETFs often settle in cash, not gold, especially during turmoil.
- Counterparty exposure. Custodians, banks, and fund managers all introduce systemic risk.
Central Banks Know the System Is Failing
According to the 2025 World Gold Council report:
- 95% of central banks plan to increase gold reserves this year
- Over 50% are repatriating that gold — keeping it at home
- COMEX deliveries surged 15x in Q1 compared to previous years
They’re not buying ETFs. They’re demanding delivery. Why?
Because when the monetary system resets, the only thing that matters is ownership of real assets.
Gold ETFs Serve the System, Not You
Your financial advisor may tout ETFs as a “tangible asset investment.” But the reality?
- You’re still inside the fiat system
- You’re still denominated in dollars
- You’re still paying hidden fees
- You’re still at the mercy of Wall Street middlemen
This structure benefits them — not you. They earn fees. You assume risk.
Real Gold = Real Protection
Throughout history, when currencies collapse, gold is what remains:
- Venezuela
- Weimar Germany
- Modern Turkey
In every case, paper wealth vanished. Physical gold endured.
Gold is trust. Gold is freedom. Gold is ownership.
Don’t let a currency reset wipe out your wealth while you’re holding a promise that pays in dollars — the very asset you’re trying to escape.
Gold & Silver: Built to Endure the Reset
When trust collapses, only physical assets remain:
- Gold vs dollar: gold holds value, dollars devalue
- Tangible assets: no middlemen, no counterparty risk
- Inflation hedge: gold protects your purchasing power
- Wealth preservation: across generations, across crises
It’s why ITM Trading created the Built to Endure Guide — packed with over 100 years of data, historical precedents, and actionable steps.
Because gold isn’t just an investment. It’s a legacy.
Prepare Before the Reset Hits
We’re not facing a market dip. We’re facing a systemic transition — a currency reset where only real assets will matter.
Would you rather hold a tangible gold bar or a piece of paper that may never be redeemed?
Choose wisely. Time is running out.
About ITM Trading
ITM Trading has over 28 years of experience helping clients safeguard their wealth through personalized strategies built on physical gold and silver. Our team of experts delivers research-backed guidance tailored to today’s economic threats.
THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING GOLD & SILVER?
Get expert guidance from our team of analysts with 28+ years of experience.
👉 [SCHEDULE YOUR CALL HERE] or call 866-351-4219