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Why gold remains a key strategic asset

The resurgence in gold prices stems from its unique qualities that enable wealth preservation during uncertain times.

November 5, 2024

23 mins

by:

Audrey Goh Senior Cross Asset Strategist, Wealth Management Group

Wealth Insights: Why gold remains a key strategic asset

Gold is regaining the spotlight as a strategic investment amid economic uncertainty. This year, it hit historic highs, surpassing $2700 per ounce, a surge driven by several factors, including heightened geopolitical tensions, anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, and strong central bank demand. With gold prices up over 30% this year, outpacing major stock indices, its role as a safe haven asset is becoming increasingly evident.

Why do investors turn to gold?

Gold has fascinated humanity for millennia, not just for its beauty but also for its enduring value. All the gold ever mined, approximately 213,000 tonnes, could fit into a cube just 22 meters on each side. Despite its scarcity, gold constitutes only about 1% of total financial assets, including stocks, bonds and alternatives. As both a consumer good and an investment asset, gold plays a unique role in portfolios due its diverse demand sources and inherent value.

Sources of demand for gold:

Key reasons to invest in Gold:

Ways investors can add gold to their portfolios

Investors have several ways to add exposure to gold in their portfolio. These routes cater to different investment goals, tolerance levels, and preferences for physical versus financial assets. Here’s a rundown of the options:

1. Physical gold: Owning gold in the form of coins or bars is straightforward and ideal for those who wants a tangible asset. However, secured storage and insurance is essential.

Benefits: Complete control and no counterparty risk.
Drawbacks: Storage costs, less liquidity

2. Gold ETFs and mutual funds: ETFs can track the price of gold, trade on exchanges, giving one exposure to gold without holding physical gold. Mutual funds focus on gold-related assets, often including mining or a mix of physical gold and other financial instruments.

Benefits: Highly liquid, limited storage hassle
Drawbacks: Fees apply and ownership is indirect and may not be fully backed by physical gold.

3. Gold mining stocks: Shares in gold mining companies, or ETFs and mutual funds offering broad exposure to gold mining companies, provide potential for returns beyond gold price increases.

Benefits: Higher potential returns due to operating leverage
Drawbacks: Higher risks from company-specific and geopolitical factors

4. Gold futures and options: These financial instruments allow hedging and speculative opportunities on gold price movements.

Benefits: Flexible for speculation or hedging, with potential high gains
Drawbacks: High risk, requiring expertise; potential for substantial losses

The resurgence in gold prices stems from its unique qualities that enable wealth preservation during uncertain times. However, it is also important to be aware of volatility associated with gold prices. As such, a small long-term allocation to gold in a diversified allocation is prudent, allowing investors to benefit from its protective qualities while managing potential downside risks effectively.

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