6 gold investing options to consider in 2024
The economic landscape consistently experiences shifts and changes, which is one reason why investors seek out reliable assets to safeguard their wealth. And gold, which has been hailed as a timeless store of value, has long been a preferred choice for investors who want to add stability and security to their portfolios.
As we step into 2024, the focus on finding stable and secure investments continues to be important. After all, there are looming questions regarding where the economy could be headed — and ongoing inflation issues, coupled with the current geopolitical climate, are only adding to the unknowns. So investors who want to be prepared for anything may want to emphasize gold investing in 2024.
But there are lots of different gold investing options to choose from — each with its own set of possible benefits and downsides to consider. So which gold assets merit consideration this year? Let's find out.
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6 gold investing options to consider in 2024
If you're thinking about adding gold to your investment portfolio this year, you may want to weigh the following options:
Physical gold
The traditional method of investing in gold involves acquiring physical gold in the form of gold bars and coins or similar assets. Investing in physical gold provides a sense of security, as investors have direct ownership over their gold. Coins like the American Gold Eagle or the South African Krugerrand are popular choices, but they aren't the only ones. Costco and other big box stores are also selling gold bars to customers who are ready to invest in the precious metal, so it's easy to buy physical gold these days.
However, there are some potential downsides to investing in physical gold. For example, investors should be mindful of storage costs, insurance costs and the potential for theft, which should be weighed against the potential benefits of this type of gold investing. And it's also worth noting that buying and selling physical gold may involve higher transaction costs compared to other investment options.
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Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Gold ETFs offer a convenient and cost-effective way to gain exposure to the precious metal without the need for physical possession — which cuts down on the costs by eliminating the need for storage and special insurance. These funds typically track the performance of gold prices and are traded on stock exchanges, providing liquidity to investors.
And, investors can buy and sell shares in gold ETFs just like stocks. Before investing in gold ETFs, though, it's crucial to understand that there are other types of associated expenses, such as management fees, which can add to the overall costs of this type of investment.
Gold stocks
Investing in gold mining stocks allows investors to participate in the potential upside of gold prices while also benefiting from the profitability of mining companies. And, companies involved in the exploration, development and production of gold can be attractive investment opportunities.
However, it's essential to recognize that gold stocks are subject to company-specific risks, such as operational challenges and geopolitical factors. That's why conducting thorough research on individual mining companies is crucial before making investment decisions.
Gold futures and options
For more experienced investors, gold futures and options contracts provide a way to speculate on the future price movements of gold. These financial derivatives allow investors to leverage their positions, potentially magnifying both gains and losses.
Futures contracts involve an agreement to buy or sell gold at a predetermined price on a future date. Options, on the other hand, provide the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell gold at a specified price within a certain timeframe.
Due to their complexity, these instruments are typically not recommended for novice investors — but can be a smart option to consider for more experienced investors, especially those with extensive gold investing experience.
Gold mutual funds
Gold mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of gold-related assets, including stocks of gold mining companies, physical gold and other related securities. Mutual funds provide diversification, reducing the risk associated with investing in a single asset or company.
However, like ETFs, investors should be aware of management fees and other expenses associated with mutual funds. Those types of fees can add significantly to the overall cost of investing, so it's important to weigh the benefits against the costs before making a decision on whether it's the right option for you.
Digital gold
As technology continues to advance, digital gold has emerged as a modern and accessible investment option. Digital gold investing platforms allow investors to buy, sell and hold physical gold digitally, and these services typically provide the convenience of fractional ownership, making gold accessible to investors with smaller budgets.
But while digital gold eliminates the need for physical storage, investors should carefully evaluate the security measures implemented by the platform before making any investments.
The bottom line
Gold remains a valuable asset for investors seeking stability and a hedge against economic uncertainties. The diverse range of gold investing options available in 2024 caters to investors with varying risk appetites and preferences. But whether you're opting for physical gold, ETFs, mining stocks, futures, mutual funds or digital gold, it's crucial for investors to conduct thorough research, understand the associated risks and align their investment choices with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
