Is it a good idea to invest in gold 2023?
The bottom line
In many cases, gold could be a good investment to help weather the changing and uncertain economic environment. After all, this precious metal can offer stability during times of uncertainty, diversify your portfolio and mitigate some of the risk from other assets.
It can (still) diversify your portfolio
It's never a bad idea to diversify your portfolio. The start of a new year is an opportune time to do just that by investing in gold. That's because gold tends to hold its value and even increase in value when other assets look shaky (as the above 2023 price range demonstrates).
So should you sell your gold in 2023? The answer is absolutely. As the pandemic cools off, financial markets begin to stabilize, and people look to invest, it's safe to say that people will want to try and buy more gold. This is going to drive up the price as well.
Considering that inflation remains persistent in today's economic environment, you may be wondering if it's smart to convert all of your cash savings into gold. In short, the answer is probably not, but it could be wise to invest some of your money in the precious metal.
Spot gold is on track to post a 13% annual rise in 2023, its best year since 2020, trading around $2,060 per ounce.
During economic downturns, investors often turn to gold for liquidity. On the contrary, silver is more closely tied to the overall economy due to its industrial applications. When economic activities slow down, the demand for silver in manufacturing decreases, affecting its price.
Con: It doesn't give you passive income or steady returns
Unlike some investments that yield passive income (e.g., rental properties, some stocks and bonds), physical gold doesn't provide passive income, dividends or interest. You will only earn once you sell your gold.
But gold, including 1-ounce gold bars, has traditionally served as a hedge against inflation, so it can be a smart investment in 2024. The precious metal tends to retain its value or appreciate during periods of rising inflation, acting as a counterbalance to the eroding purchasing power of regular currencies.
As of December 19, 2023, the spot price of gold was $2,024 per ounce. Considering an annual growth rate of 11.2%, an ounce of gold could be worth about $2,251 in one year. In five years, an ounce of gold could be worth about $3,441, provided that the value continues to grow at a rate of 11.2%.
Will gold hit $2,000 in 2023?
Long Forecast
Economy Forecast Agency experts' gold price prediction 2023 are optimistic. They predict XAUUSD at above $2,000 as early as August 2023.
That being said, in the United States, most banks will not buy precious metals, including gold. You may have some luck at commercial banks, but any savings or cooperatives will be unlikely to offer this type of service to investors. Some Central Banks will allow customers to sell gold bars or coins, but not all.
Watch the market to see when gold prices rise or fall. The best time to sell gold is during a price increase. Holding onto your gold for a couple of months can be the difference between getting an extra few hundred dollars for your pieces!
Unlike cash, gold is a store of wealth
Gold has maintained its value over centuries, making it a reliable store of wealth even in the face of economic downturns or other issues. That's why many investors turn to the precious metal during uncertain times; it can reliably protect their wealth.
Most experts recommend limiting your gold investment to 10% or less of your overall portfolio. The range between 1% and 10%, however, will often vary based on your age and overall investor profile.
Generally speaking, you're most likely to get the best value for your gold from an online dealer. These merchants have less overhead and a more economical business than a local store, meaning they can offer better prices with lower fees.
Given economic conditions and political tensions, most experts agree that gold prices are going to rise in 2024, as more and more consumers seek out a safe spot to store their wealth.
Conversely, when the supply of gold is high and demand is low, the price will fall. Additionally, other factors like interest rates, inflation, currency value, geopolitical events, and economic conditions can have an impact on gold prices.
“In fact, despite today's elevated yields for cash vehicles, a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds likely generated superior performance in 2023.” Haworth says investors holding money in cash that is intended to help meet long-term goals should consider ways to put it to work more effectively.
Your portfolio should be structured in a way that helps you reach your long-term goals. Gold might have a place. However, many experts warn that you should be wary of how much gold to include in your portfolio. One rule of thumb is to limit gold to no more than 5% to 10% of your portfolio.
What form of gold is best to buy?
Ideal for Long-Term Investment
If you consider to hold physical gold for a long period of time without any intention to sell part of your investment overtime, gold bars will be the best option for you. They will cost you less per gram compared to gold coins. This is because of their lower premium, as explained below.
Gold bars are often favored for their higher purity and lower premiums, making them cost-effective for larger investments. However, if you value the aesthetic appeal and historical significance of gold coins, they may be a better option, especially if you believe they have potential numismatic value.
The bottom line. There's no way to know exactly how much an ounce of gold might cost 10 years from now. However, most experts predict that the price of the precious metal will be significantly higher in 2034 than it is today.
Fluctuations in financial markets can also cause volatility in the price of gold. However, because so many investors purchase gold as a safe-haven asset, its value remains relatively constant. Long-term investments in the precious metal are unlikely to experience losses.
The bottom line
There are too many factors that impact gold's price. However, the value of gold has historically seen long-term gains, and many experts believe that the price of gold is likely to continue to grow over time. So, there's a strong chance that gold will be worth more in five years than it's worth today.
References
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