Gold's present value as of October 17, 2025

If you're looking for an investment not directly tied to inflation's ups and downs, gold might be a good choice. Gold has a history of increasing in value over the long term. A gold IRA is a widely chosen method for acquiring and keeping gold, offering portfolio steadiness in volatile economic periods. It also serves as a convenient alternative for investors who wish to avoid the complexities of managing physical gold storage.

Historical gold price chart 

Gold doesn't always guarantee a win. During strong economic times, stocks can do better both short-term and long-term. Between 1971 and 2024, the stock market saw an average yearly gain of 10.7%, whereas gold yielded 7.9% during that same timeframe.

Still, during periods of economic instability, gold is considered a safer, risk-averse asset. Many investors view it more as a store of value than as an investment like stocks or bonds.

What does “spot gold” mean? 

The current price for gold, known as the spot gold price, indicates the immediate cost for buying or selling gold in an over-the-counter market. Investors use this figure to assess present demand and market direction. Essentially, an elevated spot gold price suggests increased demand. This price differs from futures contracts as it pertains to immediate delivery.

When the future price surpasses the current price, it's termed contango, often seen with commodities that incur substantial storage expenses. Conversely, if the futures price trails the spot price, the market is experiencing backwardation.

The spot price is subject to frequent changes due to a variety of influences. Those considering investing in gold should be prepared for this degree of price fluctuation.

What is price spread in gold trading?

The difference between the buying and selling price of an asset is known as the price spread.

When trading gold, the price to purchase is known as the ask price, while the amount you'd get for selling is the bid price. The bid price will consistently be lower than the ask price.

A narrower spread indicates a more liquid market. When the spread is tight, it suggests rising demand for gold.

How to invest in gold 

If your mind jumps to Scrooge McDuck diving into gold coins when you think of gold investment, that’s only partly accurate. While buying physical gold bars, coins, or jewelry is possible, gold is frequently traded via exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

James Taska, a fee-based financial advisor, notes, “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.”

Common gold investment options include:

• Gold bars: Known as bullion, these are sold by weight (gram or ounce), with purity, weight, and manufacturer details stamped on the bar. Gold rounds are another form you may find bullion in.
• Gold coins: Due to their scarcity and collector appeal, items such as the American Gold Eagle frequently command a higher price than bars of the same weight.
• Gold jewelry: Jewelry’s price usually exceeds its gold content value due to design and craftsmanship.
• Gold futures contracts: Investors can use these to fix a gold price for a future transaction, facilitating speculation without the need for actual gold.
• Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs holding gold assets. Like other ETFs, their value fluctuates with the underlying holdings.

Is it a good time to invest in gold?

Deciding if the present moment is ideal for gold investment is rather subjective. Nevertheless, gold can aid in diversifying investment portfolios and providing a buffer against market volatility.

Gold is presently a secure investment during periods of significant market fluctuation. Its value has surged to unprecedented heights, increasing by more than 25% since the start of 2025, fueled by ongoing inflation and economic instability. A common suggestion from financial advisors is to incorporate gold into investment portfolios for diversification.

Current precious metals prices by 9:10 a.m. ET on October 17, 2025

Investors often consider silver, platinum, and palladium as valuable additions to their portfolios. Gold typically exhibits lower volatility compared to silver, which can experience significant price fluctuations even within a 24-hour period. The industrial applications of silver render it more susceptible to economic changes.

Platinum and palladium share characteristics with silver. Although these precious metals can enhance diversification, their prices tend to be more volatile than gold's.

The takeaway 

The U.S. Economy has experienced significant changes in recent years, with prolonged inflation taking a toll. Gold can act as an inflation hedge within a portfolio. Thanks to various acquisition methods, it’s a relatively accessible asset for investors, regardless of experience. Whether you choose a gold IRA or a more active investment account, gold can help achieve both short- and long-term financial goals.

Frequently asked questions