Washington Trust Advisors Inc. Purchases 17,259 Shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF $OUNZ

Washington Trust Advisors Inc. raised its position in VanEck Merk Gold ETF (NYSEARCA:OUNZ) by 42.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 58,352 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 17,259 shares during the period. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. owned about 0.09% of VanEck Merk Gold ETF worth $2,328,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF by 93.9% during the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC now owns 486,660 shares of the company’s stock worth $18,780,000 after purchasing an additional 235,673 shares in the last quarter. Solstein Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF by 7.8% during the second quarter. Solstein Capital LLC now owns 280,248 shares of the company’s stock worth $10,815,000 after purchasing an additional 20,294 shares in the last quarter. Smart Money Group LLC grew its stake in shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF by 1.9% during the first quarter. Smart Money Group LLC now owns 238,905 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,763,000 after purchasing an additional 4,443 shares during the last quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF by 13.0% during the second quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 259,990 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,033,000 after purchasing an additional 29,911 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FAS Wealth Partners Inc. grew its stake in shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF by 37.5% during the first quarter. FAS Wealth Partners Inc. now owns 202,477 shares of the company’s stock valued at $9,122,000 after purchasing an additional 55,193 shares during the last quarter.

Trending Headlines about VanEck Merk Gold ETF

Here are the key news stories impacting VanEck Merk Gold ETF this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Some analysts remain constructive on gold’s longer-term outlook. Peter Schiff argued that a potential stock-market downturn could ultimately increase demand for gold, while Gabelli said geopolitical conflict and elevated energy prices may delay—but not eliminate—a future move toward $5,000 gold. U.S. economist says stock market crash will be bullish for Gold War in Iran, higher energy prices are only delaying gold’s rally to $5,000
• Neutral Sentiment: Attention is now focused on the Federal Reserve’s October 28 decision. Falling Treasury yields have offered intermittent support, but the market is uncertain whether gold can reclaim $4,000 or resume its decline. A VanEck commentary also highlighted OUNZ as a potential 2026 tax-loss-harvesting vehicle, which could influence trading activity without changing the ETF’s underlying gold exposure. Gold Defends $4,000 After Bounce as Fed Signals Take Center Stage VanEck Highlights OUNZ Gold ETF for 2026 Tax-Loss Harvesting Opportunities
• Negative Sentiment: Gold’s break below $4,000 has intensified bearish technical momentum, exposing support near $3,950 and $3,942, with analysts warning of additional downside. Rising crude oil prices are increasing inflation concerns and reducing expectations for near-term rate cuts, while strong U.S. employment and relatively healthy manufacturing and services activity are weakening safe-haven demand. These factors are weighing directly on OUNZ. Gold Price Forecast: Bearish Momentum Puts Major Support at Risk Gold heads for steep weekly loss as Hormuz tensions lift crude

VanEck Merk Gold ETF Trading Down 0.7%

Shares of VanEck Merk Gold ETF stock traded down $0.26 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $38.42. The company had a trading volume of 520,653 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,131,475. The company has a market capitalization of $2.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.97 and a beta of 0.18. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $41.35 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.78. VanEck Merk Gold ETF has a 1-year low of $37.69 and a 1-year high of $53.35.

About VanEck Merk Gold ETF

The VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LBMA Gold Price index. The fund tracks the gold spot price, less expenses, using gold bars and coins held in London vaults. Investors can redeem their shares for gold in increments of 1 troy oz. OUNZ was launched on May 16, 2014 and is managed by VanEck.