Gold's present cost as of October 23, 2025

Gold might be a wise choice if you're seeking an investment that isn't directly tied to inflation. Historically, gold's value has tended to increase. A common method for investors to acquire and retain gold is through a gold IRA, which can contribute to portfolio stability amidst market volatility. This approach also offers convenience for individuals wishing to bypass the difficulties associated with keeping physical gold.

Historical gold price chart 

Stocks can sometimes outperform gold, particularly during periods of economic prosperity, offering superior returns over both shorter and extended durations. From 1971 through 2024, stocks delivered an average yearly return of 10.7%, whereas gold saw an average annual return of 7.9%.

However, gold is frequently chosen as a safe-haven asset when economic conditions are unstable. Consequently, certain investors view it primarily as a way to preserve wealth rather than as a conventional investment such as equities or fixed-income securities.

What does “spot gold” mean? 

The current market price for gold, available for immediate transaction on the over-the-counter market, is known as the spot price. This figure assists investors in monitoring gold's demand and market shifts as they happen. Essentially, an increase in the spot price signals greater interest in gold. It's important to note that, unlike futures contracts, the spot price pertains to immediate delivery.

Contango describes a market situation where the price for future delivery exceeds the current spot price, a common scenario for commodities that incur storage expenses. Conversely, when the futures price falls below the spot price, this condition is referred to as backwardation.

The spot price is subject to numerous variables, leading to significant volatility. Gold investors ought to anticipate these price fluctuations.

What is price spread in gold trading?

The price spread is the difference between an asset’s buying price and its selling price.

When trading gold, the ask price represents the purchase cost, and the bid price is what you'd receive upon selling. The bid price consistently falls below the ask price.

A tighter bid-ask spread indicates greater market liquidity. Narrow spreads typically suggest a rise in gold's demand.

How to invest in gold 

If you picture investing in gold as a comical plunge into a heap of coins, that's an incomplete view. Although tangible gold in the form of bars, coins, or adornments is available, the majority of gold transactions occur via 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.”

Some common gold investment methods include:

• Gold bars: Also called bullion, these are sold by weight, with details like purity and manufacturer marked on the bar. There are also gold rounds.
• Gold coins: Collectibles such as the American Gold Eagle coin, often sold at a premium due to their rarity.
• Gold jewelry: Priced above the gold content for design and craftsmanship.
• Gold futures contracts: Agreements to buy gold at a set price in the future, letting investors speculate on price movements without handling the metal.
• Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs invested in gold assets, whose value changes with the underlying holdings.

Is it a good time to invest in gold?

Whether the present moment is optimal for purchasing gold is a matter of personal judgment. Nevertheless, gold can serve to diversify your investment holdings and mitigate the effects of market fluctuations.

Amidst market volatility, gold stands as a reliable option. Its value has climbed to unprecedented levels, experiencing a rise exceeding 25% since the beginning of 2025, fueled by inflationary pressures and a general sense of unease. A significant number of analysts suggest this presents an opportune moment to incorporate gold into investment portfolios for the purpose of diversification.

Current precious metals prices by 9:15 a.m. ET on October 23, 2025

Investors also favor silver, platinum, and palladium. Gold typically exhibits less volatility compared to silver, which can experience substantial price fluctuations within a single day. Due to its extensive industrial applications, silver's price is more susceptible to economic shifts.

Platinum and palladium exhibit characteristics akin to silver. Although they can provide diversification advantages, they generally experience greater price fluctuations compared to gold.

The takeaway 

For a while now, the U.S. Economy has experienced instability, largely due to ongoing inflation. Gold offers a way to protect your portfolio against this inflation. Investors with any level of experience can access gold through several purchasing methods. Gold can assist in meeting both immediate and future financial objectives, whether through a gold IRA or a more dynamic investment strategy.

Frequently asked questions