VanEck Gold Miners (GDX) Surges 95% Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict

The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has gained approximately 95% over the past year, driven by geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The fund, which holds around $28.2 billion in net assets, has benefited from operational leverage as rising gold prices expand margins for mining companies. However, higher oil prices, currently around $95 per barrel, may compress those margins. GDX's significant concentration risk lies in its top three holdings—Newmont (NEM) at 12%, Agnico Eagle (AEM) at 10.8%, and Barrick Mining (B) at 7.6%—which together represent nearly a third of the portfolio.