There are a variety of ways to invest in gold, but the best ones for you depend on your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment strategy. It’s also a good idea to diversify your portfolio across different asset classes.
For example, you can invest in physical gold, including coins and bars, or buy stocks in gold mining companies. You can also invest in gold ETFs or mutual funds, or purchase options on futures contracts.
1. It’s a safe haven
Gold is the best way to protect your wealth from market volatility. Historically, it has held its value and has a low correlation to stocks and bonds.
It also acts as a hedge against inflation, as it retains its value while fiat currencies lose buying power. However, it can be less attractive when interest rates rise.
Investors can buy gold in a variety of ways, including coins, bullion or bars, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold funds. They can also invest in gold mining companies or mutual funds that invest partially, or exclusively, in the industry.
Coins are an easy way to buy physical gold, and you can get them from many countries. You can buy new, uncirculated coins from many governments and you can also buy older coins minted in other nations. Older coins are more popular among collectors and investors who are interested in the history and rarity of these gold pieces.
2. It’s a store of value
Gold is a store of value because it retains its value over time and does not depreciate. This makes it a good asset for your portfolio.
It can also be an excellent diversifier, helping to spread risk among your investments. Experts recommend allocating 5%-15% of your portfolio to gold.
Gold can be purchased in a variety of forms, including physical bullion coins and bars, or in gold-related securities such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). You can also buy gold from an investment fund that specializes in the precious metal.
3. It’s a diversifier
Gold can be a valuable addition to your portfolio. It’s non-correlative to stocks and bonds, so it can help you diversify your assets.
Adding gold to your portfolio can also help you hedge against stock market volatility. However, it’s important to note that gold can also rise or fall due to sentiment.
As such, it is important to consider your own investment goals when making a decision on how much to invest in gold. One rule of thumb is to limit gold investments to 5% to 10% of your overall account value.
The best way to ensure you make the most of your gold investments is to diversify your portfolio. That means investing in a mix of assets across industries, company sizes and geographical areas.
4. It’s a hedge against inflation
Gold has long been viewed as a reliable inflation hedge because it tends to increase in value when the buying power of the dollar declines. It also helps offset the devaluation of your income, savings and other investments that occur when inflation rises.
However, this doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for every investor. Savvy investors can find other ways to hedge against inflation without risking their portfolio’s assets.
In addition to physical gold, investors can purchase gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). These ETFs offer a simple way to access the metal at low cost while avoiding the hassle of storing it.
Treasury inflation-protected securities, or TIPS, are another potential inflation hedge. These bonds offer a real rate of return guaranteed by the U.S. government that adjusts to match inflation. They’re ideal for investors who don’t mind volatility but are sensitive to rising inflation rates.