Gold as a secure investment?
In the world of investment, gold has long been a popular choice for diversifying portfolios. However, the question of where to invest in gold remains a crucial one. This article compares two main options: physical gold dealers and Gold-ETCs (Exchange-Traded Commodities).
Stiftung Warentest Finanzen advises against including gold as a component in a diversified investment. Despite this, it is still suggested that investors consider allocating up to 10% of their savings to gold to balance out fluctuations in stocks and bonds.
Among the notable European players in the physical gold market are Anlagegold24, Auragentum, ESG-Edelmetall-Service, and Solit Group. These dealers, while less prominent in mainstream comparison listings, specialise in serving the German and wider European investor markets, offering physical coins and bars, and often providing regional customer service advantages.
However, detailed price comparisons globally are less frequently available compared to larger US dealers such as American Hartford Gold, APMEX, Goldco, JM Bullion, and Orion Metal Exchange. These US-based dealers, particularly Orion Metal Exchange with its lowest-price guarantee and fee-free buyback, and JM Bullion with its transparency and strong customer support, lead in terms of price competitiveness.
On the other hand, Gold-ETCs offer exposure to gold prices without the concerns of physical storage. They are more liquid and easily tradable on stock exchanges, with lower transaction costs and no need for physical delivery. However, they lack physical possession and insurance compared to bullion, making them more suitable for investors seeking gold exposure without holding the metal itself.
When it comes to choosing a dealer, the decision depends on one's priorities. For those prioritising the lowest purchase price with competitive guarantees, reputable dealers with published price match policies like Orion or SD Bullion are recommended. For those seeking physical possession with specialized European service, Anlagegold24 and Auragentum are reliable options, though price comparison transparency is less comprehensive. For those seeking ease of trading and cost efficiency without physical gold, Gold-ETCs are a practical alternative.
It's important to note that the markup on gold coins is generally higher than on bars. The cheapest physical gold can be bought from online dealers like Anlagegold24, Auragentum, ESG-Edelmetall-Service, and the Solit Group, with shipping costs starting from 6.90 euros at top providers. A minimum investment of 100 euros is required for gold-ETCs at the Tradegate Direct deposit.
Investors who wish to use gold as an alternative means of payment in an emergency prefer physical storage. Secure storage for physical gold can be in a safe deposit box or safe. Both the Trade Republic deposit and the Tradegate Direct deposit do not charge for the order of gold-ETCs, and they have no storage fees for gold-ETCs. Gold-ETCs serve as protection against a historical financial crisis.
In conclusion, whether you choose physical gold dealers or Gold-ETCs, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision based on your investment goals and priorities.
[1] https://www.goldira.org/gold-ira-comparison-chart/ [2] https://www.goldira.org/gold-ira-comparison-chart/ [3] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/goldetcs.asp [4] https://www.jmbullion.com/information/jm-bullion-shipping-policy/
The community policy of an investment platform should emphasize the importance of understanding the risks and benefits associated with gold investments, as well as the differences between purchasing physical gold and gold-ETCs. Employment policies within these platforms must ensure that their customer service teams are knowledgeable about gold investments and can assist investors in making informed decisions.
For those interested in personal-finance and investing, it may be beneficial to consider the employment policy of investment organizations that specialize in gold, as this could potentially lead to job opportunities in the field of gold investment and analysis. Additionally, understanding the finance aspect of these platforms, particularly their pricing structures and fee policies, can help investors make more informed decisions when choosing where to invest in gold.
