Can I Buy GLD in My IRA?
Gold has garnered increased attention lately as worries about inflation and potential recession arise. Many investors have sought ways to gain exposure to gold; one popular solution being SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD).
GLD is the largest ETF backed by physical gold on Wall Street. This fund holds 400-ounce London Good Delivery bars from HSBC USA and NA Bank’s London vaults as collateral.
What is GLD?
GLD is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) which invests in physical gold bullion. As one of the most widely utilized ways of accessing gold, investors often utilize GLD as an inflation hedge or diversify their portfolios using it as a diversifier.
Gold has long been seen as an attractive asset for investors during times of political or geopolitical unrest, especially as currency devaluations occurs and economic weakness arises. Gold prices tend to increase during such times while acting as a store of value during economic weakness.
GLD appeals to investors because it is physically backed, meaning they can redeem shares for physical gold bars in London. Suzanne Hutchins of Newton Investment’s global fund real return team told Forbes she and her colleagues were drawn to GLD due to its physical backing; however it should be noted that redemption of shares requires authorization by an “authorized participant”, usually registered broker-dealers or securities market participants – it cannot be taken directly from its trustee in London.
How is GLD taxed?
GLD shares are traded like stocks and their value is determined by the price of gold (minus any fees charged by GLD). When GLD sells gold to cover expenses, its share values decline accordingly.
GLD appeals to many investors as a simple and cost-efficient way of playing metal markets. According to Suzanne Hutchins, Newton’s Global Fund Investment Manager for Real Return Investing, their team uses GLD because it allows them to “own” physical metal without incurring costs and logistical complications associated with keeping physical bullion.
GLD is not considered physical bullion under the tax code; therefore if you were to withdraw its holding from an IRA account, capital gains taxes would apply as though you had taken out actual bullion – potentially incurring much higher taxes than would apply with traditional IRAs that include stocks, mutual funds bonds and cash investments. Please consult your tax advisor if any questions arise regarding withdrawal of GLD ETF holdings from your IRA holdings.
How can I buy GLD in my IRA?
Investors with an IRA account can purchase physical precious metals provided they work with a reliable custodian who offers transparent and flexible service. Such providers typically maintain relationships with hundreds of dealers across the country and will let you know which are trustworthy with competitive prices.
Furthermore, these firms permit investors to select their own metals dealer and storage location, which can help lower fees associated with traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and 401(k) plans. It’s an attractive solution for those seeking an alternative investment vehicle without excessive charges.
However, traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans only permit indirect exposure to precious metals through mutual funds, ETFs, or gold mining stocks. As such, investing in a self-directed IRA that allows physical precious metal purchases will give more privacy, decrease counterparty risk, and give greater control over your precious metals investment.
What are the benefits of buying GLD in my IRA?
Gold can serve as both an inflation hedge and safe haven investment during economic or geopolitical crises, providing diversification into your portfolio with non-traditional assets.
GLD is an exchange-traded fund designed to track the price of gold bullion in London. This affordable way of investing allows investors to easily and affordably acquire gold investments without acquiring physical bullion directly.
GLD may present certain drawbacks for an IRA investor. Notably, its liquidity can differ significantly from other stocks or bonds, and GLD doesn’t pay any dividends or interest payments.
An important consideration in opening and maintaining a gold IRA are the fees associated with both its setup and maintenance. These expenses typically consist of one-time setup charges as well as annual custodian/storage fees, which should be disclosed in your prospectus. Furthermore, you should be mindful of contribution limits as well as early withdrawal penalties associated with traditional and Roth IRAs; both options penalize anyone withdrawing contributions prior to age 59 1/2.
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