Gold's present value as of October 14, 2025

Investors seeking an asset with less inflation impact might consider gold a sound option. Gold has a history of increasing in value over time. Instead of acquiring physical gold itself, many opt for a gold IRA, which also eliminates the need for storing actual gold, a process that can incur its own expenses. No matter the acquisition method, gold can function as a stable portfolio component amidst market fluctuations.

Historical gold price chart 

Gold isn’t a guaranteed answer in every financial environment. In a strong economy, stocks can deliver better returns both in the short and long term. From 1971 to 2024, traditional stocks averaged 10.7% annual returns, while gold averaged 7.9%.

However, gold serves as a dependable, low-risk holding when the economy is unstable. This leads some investors to view it primarily as a way to preserve wealth rather than a conventional investment such as equities or fixed-income securities.

What does “spot gold” mean? 

The current rate for immediate gold transactions in over-the-counter markets is known as the spot price. This metric assists investors in monitoring gold demand and market shifts. Increased demand is indicated by a higher spot price. The spot price, unlike futures, pertains to immediate settlement.

When the price for future delivery is above the spot price, it’s called contango, which is common for commodities with storage costs. If the futures price is lower, it’s called backwardation.

The spot price can change due to numerous reasons, so investors ought to anticipate this instability.

What is price spread in gold trading?

The price spread is the gap between the buying and selling price of an asset.

When trading gold, the ask price represents the purchase cost, while the bid price is the amount you'd receive upon selling. The bid price will invariably be lower than the ask price.

A smaller spread means a more liquid market. Tight spreads typically indicate higher gold demand.

How to invest in gold 

When considering gold investments, envisioning a suitcase packed with gold bars only captures a portion of the picture. Although acquiring tangible bars, coins, or jewelry is a possibility, the majority of gold transactions occur through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

James Taska, a fee-based financial advisor, says, “There is a great debate as to whether paper gold is as useful as the physical. From a financial advisor’s viewpoint, it is much easier to rebalance a client’s allocation of gold if it is owned as an exchange-traded fund (ETF), and the spread when attempting to buy/sell gold can be quite variable and wide.”

Popular ways to invest in gold include:

• Gold bars and rounds: Also known as bullion, sold by weight, with purity and manufacturer details marked.
• Gold coins: Collectible coins like the American Gold Eagle, often priced higher than bars due to rarity.
• Gold jewelry: Priced above gold content for design and craftsmanship.
• Gold futures contracts: Agreements to buy gold at a future date, allowing speculation without handling the metal.
• Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs invested in gold, with values tied to the underlying assets.

Is it a good time to invest in gold?

Whether the current moment is opportune for gold investment is a matter of personal judgment. Nevertheless, gold can serve to diversify your holdings and mitigate market exposure.

Gold serves as a reliable store of value during turbulent market conditions. Its price has surged to unprecedented levels, climbing over 25% since the start of 2025, fueled by inflationary pressures and a general sense of unease. A significant number of analysts suggest incorporating gold into investment portfolios for enhanced diversification.

Current precious metals prices by 9:35 a.m. ET on October 14, 2025

Precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium are frequently incorporated into investment portfolios. Gold generally exhibits lower volatility compared to silver, which can experience significant price fluctuations over a single day. The industrial applications of silver contribute to its greater sensitivity to economic shifts.

Platinum and palladium exhibit behavior akin to silver. While these scarce metals can introduce diversification to an investment portfolio, they typically display greater volatility compared to gold.

The takeaway 

For years, the U.S. Economy has experienced instability, largely due to ongoing inflation. Gold offers a potential hedge against inflation within your investment portfolio. Its accessibility is broad, with various purchasing methods available to most investors. Gold can assist in meeting both immediate and future financial objectives, whether via a gold IRA or a more dynamic investment strategy.

Frequently asked questions