Adding 1-ounce gold bars to your investment portfolio could make a lot of sense this year.
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Given how quickly the investment landscape can shift, investors are constantly seeking ways to diversify their portfolios and safeguard their wealth against economic uncertainties. Otherwise, they would leave themselves open to serious vulnerabilities within their portfolios — the type that can have a big, and negative, impact on the value of their investments.
And, one avenue that has perennially captured the imagination of investors is precious metals, with gold being a standout choice. Part of the allure is that gold has long been revered as a safe-haven asset, appreciated for its intrinsic value and ability to preserve wealth. And, throughout history, gold has weathered economic downturns, geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations, emerging as a reliable store of value. That’s a large part of why, in times of uncertainty, investors will turn to gold to mitigate risk and provide stability to their portfolios.
There are numerous types of gold investments to choose from, too — from gold bars and coins to gold stocks, gold ETFs and gold IRAs. But 1-ounce gold bars in particular have gained popularity for their accessibility and versatility — and these days, even Costco sells 1-ounce gold bars to its members. Are 1-ounce gold bars still a sound investment choice in 2024, though? Let’s find out.
In general, 1-ounce gold bars hold a unique position in the realm of gold investments. And, there are a few reasons it could make sense to invest in 1-ounce gold bars this year, including:
Liquidity and accessibility
One of the key advantages of 1-ounce gold bars is that they’re highly liquid. As a standard unit, these bars are easily tradable on various financial markets. Investors can buy and sell 1-ounce gold bars with relative ease, providing a level of liquidity that larger gold bars or other forms of gold may not offer.
And 1-ounce gold bars are accessible to a broader range of investors due to their lower price point compared to other options. For example, larger gold bars may require significant capital outlays, but 1-ounce bars allow investors with varying budget sizes to participate in gold investments. This accessibility democratizes gold ownership, making it inclusive for a diverse set of investors.
As we navigate the economic landscape of 2024, concerns about inflation and global uncertainties are at the forefront — and for good reason. While it appeared in late 2023 that the inflation issues had been somewhat tempered by the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes, the most recent report showed a slight uptick in the inflation rate. And, while that could be an anomaly, it may not be — so there are uncertainties to consider with the current economic state.
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.
Moreover, in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical unrest, gold tends to shine as a safe-haven asset. The inherent stability and universal acceptance of gold make 1-ounce bars an attractive option for investors seeking refuge from market volatility.
Storage and portability
The practicality of storing and transporting 1-ounce gold bars also contributes to the popularity of this type of gold asset. Unlike larger gold bars that may require specialized storage facilities, 1-ounce bars can be stored in smaller, more secure spaces such as safe deposit boxes. Their compact size also makes them easily transportable, allowing investors to move their wealth as needed.
Risks and considerations when investing in 1-ounce gold bars
While 1-ounce gold bars present compelling advantages, it’s essential to also be aware of the potential risks that come with this type of investing. While gold tends to retain its value over time — and while the price of gold has historically increased — like any investment, the value of gold can fluctuate, influenced by market forces, economic conditions and geopolitical events.
Additionally, the transaction costs and premiums associated with buying and selling gold should be taken into account to ensure that it’s the right move for your portfolio. Unlike other types of investment assets, like traditional stocks or ETFs, you’ll need to contend with expenses like storage or insurance when purchasing 1-ounce gold bars, which can increase the cost of investing in this precious metal.
Furthermore, the opportunity cost of investing in gold should be weighed against other investment options. In a diverse portfolio, gold can play a valuable role, but it’s crucial to consider individual financial goals, risk tolerance and the overall investment strategy before making any decisions.
The bottom line
As we close out the first month of 2024, 1-ounce gold bars continue to be a viable and attractive option for investors looking to enhance their portfolios. The historical resilience of gold, coupled with the practical advantages of 1-ounce bars, makes them a versatile choice in an ever-changing economic landscape. Whether as a hedge against inflation, a safe-haven asset during uncertain times or a component of a diversified portfolio, 1-ounce gold bars offer investors a tangible and accessible pathway to a store of value.
Angelica Leicht is senior editor for CBS’ Moneywatch: Managing Your Money, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and other financial publications.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was down more than 200 points in late-morning trading, weighed down by losses in the technology, base metal and energy sectors, while U.S. stock markets also fell.
The S&P/TSX composite index was down 239.24 points at 22,749.04.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 312.36 points at 40,443.39. The S&P 500 index was down 80.94 points at 5,422.47, while the Nasdaq composite was down 380.17 points at 16,747.49.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.80 cents US compared with 74.00 cents US on Thursday.
The October crude oil contract was down US$1.07 at US$68.08 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$2.26 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$2.10 at US$2,541.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was down four cents at US$4.10 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 150 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in technology, financial and energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also pushed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 171.41 points at 23,298.39.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 278.37 points at 41,369.79. The S&P 500 index was up 38.17 points at 5,630.35, while the Nasdaq composite was up 177.15 points at 17,733.18.
The Canadian dollar traded for 74.19 cents US compared with 74.23 cents US on Wednesday.
The October crude oil contract was up US$1.75 at US$76.27 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$2.10 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$18.70 at US$2,556.50 an ounce and the December copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.22 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2024.
The crypto market has recently experienced a significant downturn, mirroring broader risk asset sell-offs. Over the past week, Bitcoin’s price dropped by 24%, reaching $53,000, while Ethereum plummeted nearly a third to $2,340. Major altcoins also suffered, with Cardano down 27.7%, Solana 36.2%, Dogecoin 34.6%, XRP 23.1%, Shiba Inu 30.1%, and BNB 25.7%.
The severe downturn in the crypto market appears to be part of a broader flight to safety, triggered by disappointing economic data. A worse-than-expected unemployment report on Friday marked the beginning of a technical recession, as defined by the Sahm Rule. This rule identifies a recession when the three-month average unemployment rate rises by at least half a percentage point from its lowest point in the past year.
Friday’s figures met this threshold, signaling an abrupt economic downshift. Consequently, investors sought safer assets, leading to declines in major stock indices: the S&P 500 dropped 2%, the Nasdaq 2.5%, and the Dow 1.5%. This trend continued into Monday with further sell-offs overseas.
The crypto market’s rapid decline raises questions about its role as either a speculative asset or a hedge against inflation and recession. Despite hopes that crypto could act as a risk hedge, the recent crash suggests it remains a speculative investment.
Since the downturn, the crypto market has seen its largest three-day sell-off in nearly a year, losing over $500 billion in market value. According to CoinGlass data, this bloodbath wiped out more than $1 billion in leveraged positions within the last 24 hours, including $365 million in Bitcoin and $348 million in Ether.
Khushboo Khullar of Lightning Ventures, speaking to Bloomberg, argued that the crypto sell-off is part of a broader liquidity panic as traders rush to cover margin calls. Khullar views this as a temporary sell-off, presenting a potential buying opportunity.
Josh Gilbert, an eToro market analyst, supports Khullar’s perspective, suggesting that the expected Federal Reserve rate cuts could benefit crypto assets. “Crypto assets have sold off, but many investors will see an opportunity. We see Federal Reserve rate cuts, which are now likely to come sharper than expected, as hugely positive for crypto assets,” Gilbert told Coindesk.
Despite the recent volatility, crypto continues to make strides toward mainstream acceptance. Notably, Morgan Stanley will allow its advisors to offer Bitcoin ETFs starting Wednesday. This follows more than half a year after the introduction of the first Bitcoin ETF. The investment bank will enable over 15,000 of its financial advisors to sell BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. This move is seen as a significant step toward the “mainstreamization” of crypto, given the lengthy regulatory and company processes in major investment banks.
The recent crypto market downturn highlights its volatility and the broader economic concerns affecting all risk assets. While some analysts see the current situation as a temporary sell-off and a buying opportunity, others caution against the speculative nature of crypto. As the market evolves, its role as a mainstream alternative asset continues to grow, marked by increasing institutional acceptance and new investment opportunities.
