Investors looking to diversify their portfolios often turn to gold. But is it better to purchase physical coins or bars, or invest through ETFs in gold mining companies?
This article will outline the advantages and disadvantages of each form of gold investment to assist investors in choosing which form best meets their investment goals and risk tolerance.
1. It’s a store of value
Gold can act as both an asset store and diversifier; when faced with economic uncertainty it can be sold or traded for cash quickly and easily. Furthermore, owning gold may help lower overall portfolio volatility by diversifying investments with it.
Owning physical gold can be costly, as you must cover storage and insurance expenses as well as transaction and small-lot fees when purchasing it. Gold ETFs offer an appealing alternative with many of the same benefits but without storage and insurance fees attached to ownership.
Gold can be sold for cash, but it may take longer and you may not receive its full value when sold. Furthermore, its price can fluctuate rapidly; therefore it should only form part of your portfolio rather than being central to it.
2. It’s a hedge against inflation
Gold’s price typically increases during times of high inflation, making it a sought-after hedge against it. But recently its performance has been mixed – in 2021 and 2022 for example, gold prices did not keep pace with sky-high consumer price index growth rates.
Gold can be an effective inflation hedge if held over decades, since inflation erodes the dollar’s purchasing power and makes each ounce more costly over time. But investors concerned with inflation might prefer stocks or Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) over physical gold as these investments tend to generate consistent returns that help offset inflation more effectively while incurring lower costs and markups than buying and selling coins; these reasons justify diversifying your portfolios with gold ETFs for better portfolio diversification.
3. It’s a speculative investment
Physical gold investing requires both time and resources. You’ll have to purchase it, find somewhere secure to store it, which may prove expensive; renting out space from a bank’s safety deposit box for this can run you anywhere between $30 to several hundred dollars annually.
Gold doesn’t generate cash flow, making it an unsuitable option if your sole objective is to invest.
On the other hand, investing in gold mining stocks can be an excellent way to diversify your portfolio and reduce overall volatility. Furthermore, purchasing an ETF or mutual fund that tracks gold prices minus their expenses allows for easier access without dealing with storage and insurance hassles.
4. It’s a risky investment
Gold prices fluctuate based on market conditions and investors’ perceptions of political or economic instability, making it a potentially risky investment, especially when used for futures or options contracts on the gold market. Such contracts often require high amounts of leverage and thus increase the risks.
Physical gold investments can be expensive, especially if storage and insurance costs must also be factored into your expenses. Storing and protecting it may take more time and energy than you expected to manage effectively; moreover, with numerous scams associated with its sale being active nowadays it’s imperative that you purchase from a trustworthy dealer.
Gold stocks can be more cost-efficient. ETFs and mutual funds offer instant corporate diversification while saving you money over purchasing individual mining companies directly. When considering which investment option best meets your needs and financial goals, consult a financial adviser for guidance before making any definitive investment decisions.
