Systelligence, a Minnesota-based investment advisory firm, has bought a significant stake in BlackRock Inc‘s(NYSE: BLK) gold mining exchange-traded fund.
The firm, which manages about US$654 million in assets, revealed the purchase in its latest 13F filing with the SEC on Apr. 21.
In the first quarter of 2026, Systelligence acquired 72,909 shares of the iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF (NASDAQ: RING). The position reached a market value of US$5.76 million by the end of March. This stake now represents roughly 1.12 per cent of the advisor’s reportable assets.
The move marks a new position for the firm, which also manages its own family of mutual funds. The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF, known by its ticker RING, tracks an index of companies that generate most of their revenue from gold mining around the world.
BlackRock runs the fund on a passive basis. It holds shares in leading producers such as Newmont Corporation (TSE: NGT) (NYSE: NEM) (FRA: NMM), Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (TSE: AEM) (NYSE: AEM) (FRA: AE9) and Barrick Mining Corp (TSE: ABX) (NYSE: B) (ETR: ABR0).
With net assets exceeding US$3 billion and a low expense ratio of 0.39 per cent, RING offers investors an easy way to gain diversified exposure to global gold miners without selecting individual stocks.
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Precious metal ETFs deliver strong gains
These exchange-traded funds have performed strongly this year on the back of gains throughout 2025. Ongoing global uncertainty, inflation concerns and steady buying by central banks have driven gold and silver prices higher. Mining company stocks, such as NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50), have climbed even faster as a result.
In 2025, silver mining funds led the gains. The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (BATS: SLVP) soared nearly 200 per cent while the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: SILJ) rose 186 per cent.
Gold mining ETFs also posted impressive returns as spot gold prices surged. The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF itself gained more than 100 per cent over the past year. Platinum ETFs joined the rally too, with the GraniteShares Platinum Trust (NYSEARCA: PLTM) advancing 89 per cent.
Early 2026 data shows this momentum continuing, and many of these funds rank among BlackRock’s top-rated offerings for the first quarter.
RING stands out among BlackRock ETFs
The iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF has delivered standout performance compared with many other BlackRock funds. While broad-market options such as the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: IVV) provide steady but more moderate growth, RING rewards investors who seek targeted exposure to precious metals.
BlackRock’s iShares unit reported its best first quarter ever in 2026, supported by strong inflows across its lineup. RING ranks among the top-rated funds in that group.
Over the past year, the gold miners ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 69 percentage points. Systelligence’s significant new investment reflects growing confidence in gold miners as a valuable portfolio diversifier.
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