Is Physical Gold Still a Good Investment?
With geopolitical tensions rising and the economy faltering, investors are asking themselves if physical gold makes for an appropriate investment strategy.
Other investments like stocks, real estate and rare art may be inflexible when it comes to liquidating them quickly; physical gold however can easily be turned into cash when needed and would remain secure during recessionary conditions.
1. It’s a Timeless Investment
Gold is the ultimate international currency; it is universally recognised and prized. So no matter where in the world you are located, your bullion bars and coins will always find a buyer.
Gold stands apart from other commodities in that its production doesn’t end, and can also be traded more rapidly and efficiently than assets such as stocks.
Physical gold sales can be expensive, with dealer commissions, sales taxes in some instances and storage costs all factored in. That is why many investors turn to ETFs that track gold instead, which may be less costly yet just as effective at protecting portfolios during uncertain times – something particularly valuable during recent times of uncertainty such as these.
2. It’s a Diversification Tool
Physical gold investing can be an attractive addition to your portfolio, but it’s important to understand all associated risks and costs before committing.
Gold can help investors protect the purchasing power of their money during periods of inflation, with its price generally increasing when other investments experience sharp decreases.
Gold can provide protection from financial market failure, economic problems or war. But be mindful that unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not produce income-generating yield. Diversifying your investments accordingly is crucial. For example, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway company has invested in gold mining companies; this strategy provides another method to profit from gold without owning physical bullion.
3. It’s a Protection Tool
Many investors turn to physical gold to protect themselves during periods of high inflation and diversify their portfolios. As indicated in the chart below, during times of extreme inflation gold tends to increase in value and vice versa.
Physical gold preserves purchasing power over time while paper currencies depreciate in value, making it the ideal way to preserve wealth and pass it down through generations.
Gold can provide an effective hedge against other investments that could decline due to economic uncertainty and market volatility, especially stocks with high levels of volatility. Furthermore, storage fees for gold tend to be significantly less than other asset classes like real estate; saving both money and hassle.
4. It’s a Liquid Investment
Gold is a liquid investment, meaning you can quickly turn it into cash if needed – this makes it an attractive option for diversifying portfolios.
Gold ownership involves storage and insurance costs as well as transaction fees when buying and selling the commodity, among other costs. While these expenses might not be significant for investors with smaller portfolios who invest a minimal percentage in gold, they could quickly become prohibitive for those seeking greater exposure.
Gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) provide exposure to this commodity without incurring these expenses. You can also utilize depositories – third-party firms which store precious metals for an annual fee – which provide geopolitical and geographic diversification, along with high liquidity levels.
5. It’s a Long-Term Investment
Gold should be seen as an investment with long-term potential; its prices often rebound after experiencing drops, however if you invest in physical gold quickly in order to cover an urgent expense like medical treatment you could end up losing out on its full value.
Selling physical gold will likely net you less than its spot price due to seller markups or premiums, another reason to diversify with other forms of gold like ETFs with fully physical backing or mining companies. Diversifying will give you more opportunities for profit from rising gold prices in the short-term and protect you against missing out on significant gains; making money work for you by spreading it around is the best way.
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