Investment in precious metals has been attracting traders in the past. The most famous investment among these is gold. For diversifying risk, primarily through the use of derivatives and futures contracts; traders buy gold. Like other markets, the gold market is subjected to volatility and speculation too. It is comparatively more effective and safer than investment in different precious metals and is traded across the world.
Investors looking for gold investment have three choices:
1) They can buy stocks of the mutual or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that clone the rate of gold.
2) They can trade in the commodity market by buying or selling futures and options.
3) Last but not least, they can buy a physical asset.
For example, moderate investors purchase gold coins, while advanced investors try to implement strategies by using the options on gold futures.
Buying gold bullion
As compared to other commodities, gold is readily available to moderate traders. An individual can buy gold bullion (the yellow metal in the form of a bar or coin) quickly from a metal dealer or brokerage firm and bank.
Bullion bars come in different sizes ranging from a quarter-ounce slice to a 400-ounce block, but the choice of coins typically depends on the new trader. One should not get confused with the vintage numismatic coins; these are issued based on their gold content, plus a premium range between 1% and 5%.
The most widely circulated gold coins include the American eagle, the Canadian maple leaf, and South African Krugerrand. People prefer these gold coins because they carry maximum liquidity with them.
Gold is often blended with other precious metals and gems to increase the overall appearance and value of making jewelry. Gold jewelry is passed down to the succeeding generation as a family heritage. It adds sentimental value to it, which is beyond its price. But, when purchasing it as the investment medium, it is the wrong choice because its retail price in the future generally exceeds the meltdown price. The change in the two prices is because of retail mark-up and quality.
An investor needs to check the purity of gold before purchasing jewelry, to ensure that you are paying for and getting the correct karats of gold (18 karats or 14 karat pieces).
The only advantage associated with gold jewelry is its insurance policies for the homeowner, which he gets if it is lost or stolen.
Whatever might be the option you choose, make sure that you buy from a trustworthy and renowned dealer either through the internet or in person. Along with this, the safety of gold coins is also essential. For this, you can prefer home or bank but don't forget to check them frequently.
Other Investment vehicles
Some of the investment vehicles for gold are:
1) Investment vehicles
2) Bars and billions.
3) Coins
4) Gold rounds
5) Exchange-traded products
6) Certificates
7) Accounts
8) Derivatives, CFDs, and spread betting
9) Mining companies
Hedge against financial stress
Like other precious metals, gold works as a hedging instrument against a deflation of currency devaluation and inflation. However, some questions have been raised on its efficiency as such. Historically it has not proven its reliability as a hedging device.
One of the attractive features of gold is that it has no default risk. Whereas, one can see the condition of currencies used across the world. They are under critical pressure because of substantial government deficits.
Factors influencing gold investment
Like other commodities and shares, gold prices are driven by demand (also including speculative demand). However, unlike other products and stocks disposal and saving play more significant roles in influencing, its cost than its consumption.
The quantity of gold ever mined still exists in forms such as mass-produce- jewelry and bullion, with a small value over its fine weight. So, it can come back to the gold market anytime as it is almost as liquid as bullion.
As per the estimated data of 2006, the total gold ever mined was 158,000 tonnes (174,000 short tons; 156,000 long tons). Warren Buffett, a famous investor, has said that the total amount of gold available across the globe could fit into a cube with sides 66 ft. or 20 meters. The approximate volume it can hold is 158,000 tonnes as the density of gold is 19.3 tonnes per cubic meter at room temperature. However, these estimates vary significantly in today's gold market.
It is predicted that the quantity of gold stored above ground is far more significant in comparison to its annual production. Its prices are mainly affected by changes in sentiments; it influences the market demand and supply, rather than yearly production. As per the World Gold Council, the annual production of gold is nearly 2,500 tonnes since the past few years. About 500 tonnes goes to exchange-traded gold funds and retail investors and the rest 2,000 goes into dental production, jewelry, and industry.
Bottom line
Commonly, gold stocks increase and slide quicker than the price of gold itself. So, one should be aware of these changes. The best way to start investing in gold is by selecting the best broker who can guide you throughout the trade by providing real-time analytics and price graphs.
You can go with HFTrading. They are market pilots in the field of online trading and have advanced platforms (Meta trader 4) for making your business easy-going. They provide three main accounts for trading in precious metals: platinum account, gold account, and silver account.