The benefits of investing in gold

Gold is integrated into diversified investment portfolios to mitigate the impact of fluctuating assets. During market declines, gold tends to rise as it is considered a safe-haven asset. Holding gold over the long term enhances portfolio value and offers protection against volatility in other asset classes.

Wealth protection

Physical gold inherently possesses lasting value and enduring demand, rendering it a highly secure long-term investment ideal for safeguarding wealth. While its investment performance has a historically strong track record, the primary emphasis is typically not on short-term growth. For those prioritizing immediate gains, there are alternative investments designed for shorter durations, as well as options generating recurring returns like dividends or interest.

In contrast, the rarity and enduring nature of gold have historically positioned it as the default store of currency or value, leading to the concept of the “gold standard” over centuries, despite short-term price fluctuations. These price variations in gold make it challenging to realize short-term returns. If one purchases an ounce of physical gold today and attempts to sell it tomorrow, unless there has been a substantial overnight increase in the “spot” price, the spread (difference between buying and selling prices) is likely to negate any gains made, emphasizing the difficulty of achieving quick returns in the gold market.

HOW TO BUY GOLD

What gold can offer

Gold is incorporated into diversified investment portfolios to mitigate the impact of fluctuating assets. During market downturns, gold typically experiences an uptick in value as investors seek safe-haven assets. Therefore, holding gold over the long term not only contributes to overall portfolio appreciation but also offers protection against volatility in other asset classes. This strategic inclusion of gold acts as a stabilizing force, helping to safeguard against market uncertainties.

Diversify your portfolio

Gold is included in a diverse portfolio of assets to balance out investments that fluctuate. When markets are falling, gold usually rises as investors turn to safe-haven assets, so holding gold long term will not only help increase the value of your portfolio but will provide some protection from volatility in other asset classes.

Balancing your investments

Gold often appreciates in value when other commonly held assets experience a decline. This trend has led experts to recommend including gold as a component of a diversified investment portfolio.

Tax advantages

Some forms of physical gold are exempt from taxes on their growth.

Universal currency, easy to liquidate

Physical gold holds universal recognition and demand, making it exchangeable for global currency, goods, or services. Additionally, it can be easily liquidated, providing a readily accessible and versatile asset.

Insurance against inflation

During periods of inflation, the value of gold tends to rise in tandem with other products and commodities.

Capital growth & returns

Gold stands out as one of the top-performing assets in the UK throughout the 21st century, exhibiting an average annual growth of over 10% since 2000. In comparison, the FTSE 100 (Total Return) grew at a rate of 4.1%, and the UK house price index for property showed a growth rate of 5.3%.

Genuinely private investment

In contrast to shares or banking, there is no obligation to register ownership of gold. Physical gold remains one of the few forms of private investment available without the need for registration.

Inheritance & legacy

Buying physical gold serves as a private means of wealth storage, enabling individuals to efficiently transfer wealth to their loved ones, subject to the 7-year inheritance tax rule.

Global instability

Over the past year, a prevailing theme has been the pervasive uncertainty that has gripped various facets of our world. Markets, intricately linked and globalized, have weathered pronounced volatility, exerting a lasting influence on the social, political, and economic landscape. The anticipated rebound from the pandemic’s aftermath has encountered substantial impediments, with inflation persistently elevated and economic advancements dissipating. In the midst of this precarious economic backdrop, the appeal of safe-haven gold as a sought-after investment has intensified, offering a valuable addition to a well-rounded portfolio.

A historic global currency

The enduring value of gold stems from its rarity and unchanging nature. Despite the cumulative global gold production exceeding 200,000 tonnes throughout human history, this amount, when melted down, would occupy only three to four Olympic swimming pools. According to estimates by the World Gold Council, approximately 50,000 tonnes of proven reserves remain in the ground.

This scarcity is a fundamental factor contributing to gold’s value, and it has served as a traded form of currency for millennia. In the seventeenth century, goldsmiths played a pivotal role in shaping the modern banking industry. Presently, central banks and nations are obligated to reserve a specific percentage of their wealth in gold as a safeguard against financial risks.

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