Is investing in gold profitable?

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photo: worldhistory.org

Gold is a metal that sparks the imagination. Whether it’s legends of alchemists trying to create gold in their secret laboratories or Westerns about the gold rush in the United States, these are just cultural examples of how significant a role this precious metal plays in society and collective consciousness. Wedding rings are made of gold, gold bars serve as financial reserves for many countries, and royal regalia are also crafted from gold. To this day, gold continues to captivate the imagination and remains an object of desire. It attracts the attention of investors. Is investing in gold profitable? Is it still a metal that holds not only cultural and traditional value, but also serves as a safe way to invest capital? Should gold be treated as a primary investment area, or rather as a means of diversifying your portfolio? Is it better to put your money into commodity funds and play the indices, or is it wiser to physically purchase bullion bars and store them in a secure location? There are many options and strategies available.

Is investing in gold worth it? A fresh look at the latest data

In 2024, the gold market is attracting increasing attention from investors, becoming one of the most fascinating topics in the world of finance. Since the beginning of the year, gold has recorded an impressive price surge, starting at $2,063.73 per ounce in early January and reaching $2,502.53 by the end of August. This is a staggering increase of 21.26% in just eight months, setting it apart from other asset classes.

At a time when stock markets like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are seeing steady, albeit moderate, gains, and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum are hitting new yearly highs, gold continues to prove its enduring value as a safe haven amid global uncertainty. This dynamic growth is driven by several fundamental factors, including shifting supply and demand dynamics and expectations regarding monetary policy. So, is in gold worth it? In this context, it’s clear that having this asset in your investment portfolio definitely makes sense.

The rise in prices is partly driven by increasing difficulties in mining new gold. Combined with growing demand from emerging economies and central banks, this creates ideal conditions for further price increases.

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Long-term gold price chart. Optimistic outlook. photo: goldbroker.com

Additionally, expectations of interest rate cuts by the Fed—which could weaken the dollar and lower bond yields—are further boosting gold’s appeal. In the short term, technical investors are watching the resistance level around $191–194 per GLD ETF unit. Breaking through this level could pave the way for further gains toward $200–205, with a potential long-term target near $220.

Gold, thanks to its role as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, is becoming an essential component of a well-diversified investment portfolio.

At a time when other assets may lose value in the face of unpredictable geopolitical and economic events, gold offers stability and profit potential. This makes it a unique advantage compared to the broader investment market.

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Bitcoin is fluctuating. Gold is steadily climbing. Perfect for a stable foundation of an investment portfolio, photo: mdpi.com
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photo: reuters.com

Gold vs. Bitcoin

In the face of the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies and rapid surges in the technology sector, gold remains irreplaceable as an anchor of stability in a portfolio. It offers both capital protection and the potential for gains amid upcoming market challenges. When building or reshaping an investment portfolio, it’s worth relying on the advantages of gold. Palladium and platinum can also be interesting additions.

How to invest in gold? Methods, markets, strategies

Investing in gold can take various forms. From financial gold market instruments to physically owning bullion and jewelry. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right approach for your goals and risk tolerance. Gold, as a safe haven, is an excellent addition to a diversified investment portfolio. It offers protection against economic turbulence and the potential for long-term gains.

Is investing in gold profitable when you buy shares in a mining company? Or is it better to buy a gold bar? Or maybe gold earrings for your wife—where the value isn’t just in the metal itself…

Investing in the gold market: Indexes, funds, and mining companies

  • Gold indices

Investing in gold price-linked indices, such as Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), allows investors to gain exposure to the gold market without physically owning the metal. This is an excellent option for those seeking an easy and liquid way to invest in gold.

  • Investment funds

Funds investing in gold and mining companies offer diversified exposure to the gold sector. They are managed by professionals. This reduces the risk associated with investing in single assets.

  • Mining company stocks

Buying shares in companies involved in precious metal mining can generate significant profits during periods of rising gold prices. However, it’s important to remember that such investments also carry risks related to company operations and the volatility of commodity markets.

Purchase of investment gold bars

  • Advantages

Physical ownership of gold bars gives investors full control over their assets. Physical gold is easily accessible and can be stored at home, in a bank, or in a specialized vault. It also serves as protection against inflation and declines in the value of other assets. Investment bars are a popular way to invest in gold.

  • Disadvantages

Storing and securing gold bars involves additional costs, and selling them may be less liquid compared to financial instruments. Moreover, the purchase price can be higher due to dealer margins.

Purchase of gold jewelry and other gold items

  • Investment value

Gold jewelry, beyond the intrinsic value of the metal, can also carry additional worth tied to its brand, rarity, craftsmanship, and provenance. The brand or designer is important. For buyers, it’s a way to combine investing in gold with the pleasure of owning beautiful objects.

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photo: christies.com

An interesting option is jewelry auctions at Sotheby’s or Christie’s. You can find real treasures there.

  • Collectible and historical value

Gold coins, antiques, and works of jewelry art can appreciate in value over time due to their uniqueness, historical significance, and artistic craftsmanship. Collecting such items is not only an investment, but also a passion that can bring both satisfaction and profit.

Fun facts about gold – why are its reserves limited, where does it come from, and why is it so expensive and important?

Gold is a precious metal, renowned for its resistance to corrosion, tarnishing, and rust. Its exceptional durability makes it an excellent store of value. It retains its brilliance even after thousands of years. Gold captivates not only with its color but also with its aesthetic allure. For centuries, it has attracted people around the world, sparking desire and igniting the imagination. From ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where gold symbolized power and prestige, to the modern world, where it plays a role in electronics and technology, gold continues to inspire admiration.

Versatility, value, durability – is investing in gold worth it?

One of the most fascinating aspects of gold is its diverse range of uses. It is highly valued in jewelry. It has found its place in electronics, dentistry, and even space technology. Thanks to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion, it is an ideal material for modern technologies. It’s worth knowing that gold is chemically inert. This means it does not react with most other substances, making it extremely versatile and safe for various applications.

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photo: pixabay.com

Gold is also an important component of many countries’ foreign exchange reserves. Central banks maintain their gold reserves to ensure the stability of their currencies and support their economies. This strategic safeguard is crucial for the global economy.

Gold in culture and pop culture

The price and value of gold are influenced not only by objective factors, but also by its cultural perception, its presence in myths, legends, and films. The ancient Midas turns everything into gold.

In ancient times, gold was regarded as a symbol of divinity and power. An example is the gold mask of Agamemnon, discovered in Mycenae in 1876. This ancient relic, dated to around the 13th century BCE, is considered one of the most important artifacts associated with Mycenaean civilization. Its craftsmanship from pure gold not only emphasizes the status of the deceased but also highlights the significance of gold as a material with divine and royal symbolism.

In the Bible, gold is a symbol of sin and unfaithfulness, represented by the golden calf that the Israelites created during Moses’ absence. Gold signified wealth, which was seen as a sign of turning away from Yahweh and abandoning true faith. In this context, gold serves as a material representation of moral decline and betrayal.

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photo: reuters.com

Contemporary pop culture also draws heavily on the symbolism of gold, often using it to express wealth, power, and luxury. In literature, film, and art, gold is frequently portrayed as a symbol of aspiration, greed, and ultimate success. Films such as “Gold” directed by Pascal Plisson or the classic “Gold of the Ruma” use gold as a central plot element. This underscores its enduring place in the human imagination as an object of desire and a timeless value. Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush” is a classic in its own right. And the theme of gold prospectors has driven the plot of countless westerns. Examples of gold’s cultural role are endless. But do they answer the question of whether a is worthwhile? They certainly offer a good clue.

Wealth straight from outer space

Gold is relatively rare in nature. Its presence on Earth is the result of cosmic phenomena such as neutron star collisions. Through these processes, gold was “delivered” to Earth by meteorites. Although significant amounts of gold are found in the oceans, extracting it is extremely expensive due to its very low concentration in the water. In practice, this means that most of the gold we have comes from hard-to-reach deposits on the Earth’s surface. And there isn’t that much of it.

The largest gold nugget, named “Welcome Stranger,” was discovered in Australia in 1869 and measured 25.4 cm by 63.5 cm! However, such treasures are extremely rare. Even today, despite advanced technology, gold mining remains difficult, laborious, and dangerous. And resources are dwindling.

Is investing in gold worth it? This precious metal is more than just metal

Gold is more than just a metal – it’s a symbol, an investment, and an integral part of culture and technology. Its fascinating history, diverse applications, and remarkable durability make it an irreplaceable material in many areas of life. Is in gold worth it? Absolutely, considering its long-term value and wide range of uses.