Analysis indicates that despite gold prices reaching a record high of around $4,270, the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is still approximately 22% below its 52-week high of $117.16. Over the past year, gold prices have risen by about 27%, while this mining fund has only increased by 23.03% year-to-date, despite recent significant gains, including a 40.26% rise last month and an 18.63% increase in a single week. This performance gap between the metal and mining stocks may signal a catch-up opportunity for mining stocks, with the possibility that the Small-Cap Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) could offer even stronger operational leverage.