- Gold bullion investment companies (CIMs) offer several advantages over purchasing physical gold.
- These firms buy gold bullion at current market prices, then store it in allocated or segregated accounts for you.
- Ms offer investors direct ownership of physical gold, along with the ability to invest in a gold-backed exchange-traded fund (ETF). However, investors should understand that CIMs are subject to significant counterparty risk, meaning the firm could be bankrupt or insolvent, and may not be able to meet its obligations.
Investing in gold is a popular investment choice for many investors. The precious metal maintains its value over time, so its value may be bolstered by inflation. Gold also offers diversification, since its value does not tend to fluctuate as much as stocks or bonds.
Investing in gold through a gold bullion investment company (CMI) offers a number of benefits. These firms buy gold bullion at current market prices, then store it in allocated or segregated accounts for you.
We’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to researching the top precious metals investment companies, perfect for anyone looking to invest.
Understanding the Benefits of a Gold Investment
Investing in gold is an investment in an asset that has proven its value over time. These benefits include:
Gold appreciates in value over time.
Unlike paper currency, gold is tangible.
Gold is traded by people all over the world.
Gold is portable, so you can take your money with you wherever you go.
Gold has intrinsic value.
Gold has value as a hedge against inflation.
Gold has value as a hedge against financial crises.
Gold is finite.
Types of Gold Investments
Gold bullion and coins are the most obvious gold investments. These physical forms of gold are bought, sold, and redeemed in physical form, and fluctuations in their market prices reflect fluctuations in gold price.
Gold ETFs and mutual funds are gold-backed investments that track the price of gold. ETFs are also traded on major exchanges like stocks, so investors can buy and sell ETFs as they would any other stock.
A gold futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell gold at a specific price at a specific time in the future. Gold futures contracts are standardized to 100 ounces and are typically held in a central clearinghouse.
Gold certificates are a promise to pay the value of gold held in an account. The certificates are backed by gold, but their value isn’t guaranteed.
Gold Bullion
Gold bullion is the purest form of gold investment. The purity of gold bullion investment is based on the fineness of the metal. For example, 24-karat gold bullion contains only 99.9% gold, while 22-karat gold bullion contains 99.9% gold and 0.1% other metals, such as silver or copper. Due to the high purity of gold bullion, it is the purest form of gold investment.
Gold ETFs
Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in physical gold bullion. They are easily bought and sold on major exchanges like NYSE and NASDAQ. These ETFs offer low fees, transparency, liquidity, and tax advantages. Many ETFs track the price of gold as a benchmark for performance.
Gold CEFs
Gold CEFs are exchange-traded funds that invest in gold miners. They are similar to gold ETFs and are easy to buy and sell on major exchanges. The CEFs have higher fees than ETFs, but they can expose investors to more risk due to mining volatility. However, gold CEFs can offer investors greater yield than gold ETFs.
Gold stocks
Gold stocks are equity shares in gold mining companies. They offer more risk than gold ETFs and CEFs, but can provide investors with higher yields. Gold stocks are often risky investments, due to fluctuating gold prices, high cash costs, and volatile earnings.
Physical gold
Physical gold bullion is gold that has been refined into a physical form. It is easily bought and sold. However, it carries high levels of risk, as it is difficult to buy, sell, store, and insure.
Investing in gold is a wise choice, but investors should carefully consider the risks and rewards.
Benefits of Gold Bullion
For thousands of years, gold has been coveted by investors for its rarity, durability and relative scarcity. Today, it continues to serve as a safe haven asset for investors who seek to hedge against inflation, currency debasement or geopolitical uncertainty.
Gold is an inflation hedge because its price rises with inflation, and unlike stocks, gold’s value does not erode as its value rises. Gold bullion is also considered a safe haven asset and, as such, does not typically fall prey to the same market fluctuations as other investments.
Benefits of Gold ETFs
Investors can trade gold in small quantities.
Investors can invest in gold as commodities.
Investors can invest in gold as stocks.
Investors can invest in gold as bonds.
Investors can select among a variety of gold ETFs.