Gold price Oct 29, 2025

Gold could be a suitable investment if you're seeking something not directly affected by fluctuations in inflation. Historically, gold has demonstrated a consistent tendency to increase in worth over extended periods. A frequent method for acquiring and retaining gold involves a gold IRA. This is also a sensible option for individuals seeking to bypass the expense and hassle associated with keeping physical gold.

Historical gold price chart 

Gold's performance doesn't consistently surpass that of conventional stocks across all market conditions. During robust economic conditions, equities have the potential to generate superior returns across both brief and extended durations. Over the period spanning 1971 through 2024, stocks delivered an average annual return of 10.7%, whereas gold saw an average annual return of 7.9%.

During periods of economic uncertainty, gold is considered a secure, low-risk investment. Consequently, numerous individuals perceive it primarily as a store of value, rather than a conventional investment such as stocks or bonds.

What does “spot gold” mean? 

The current price of gold, known as the spot price, reflects the cost for immediate transactions when purchasing gold directly from a dealer. This metric allows investors to monitor current demand and market shifts. A higher spot price indicates increased demand. The spot price is for immediate settlement, unlike futures.

When the future price exceeds the spot price, this situation is known as contango, frequently observed with commodities that incur significant storage expenses. When a futures price is lower than the spot price, this situation is called backwardation.

The spot price is subject to numerous influences, leading to frequent fluctuations. Gold investors actively participating in the market must be ready for this inherent instability.

What is price spread in gold trading?

The gap between an asset's purchase and sale price is known as the price spread.

When trading gold, the ask price represents the cost to acquire it, while the bid price is the amount you get for selling it. The bid is consistently less than the ask.

A narrower difference between buying and selling prices indicates a more liquid market. Tight spreads imply robust demand for gold.

How to invest in gold 

If you imagine investing in gold as plunging into a heap of coins, you've only grasped half the picture. Gold can be purchased in physical forms like bars, coins, or jewelry, but it's also frequently traded through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Popular gold investment options include:

• Gold bars: Also called bullion, sold by weight, with purity and manufacturer details stamped on the bar. Gold coins are fundamentally identical, with their shape being the sole significant distinction in their bullion form. 
• Gold coins: Collectible coins like the American Gold Eagle, often priced higher than bars of the same weight due to rarity.
• Gold jewelry: Priced above gold content for design and craftsmanship.
• Gold futures contracts: Agreements to buy gold at a set price in the future, allowing speculation without handling the physical metal.
• Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs invested in gold assets, with values tied to the underlying portfolio.

Is it a good time to invest in gold?

The optimal moment to invest in gold is a matter of perspective. However, incorporating gold can aid in diversifying your investment holdings and lessening market fluctuations.

In today's volatile market, gold continues to be a reliable investment. Inflation and uncertainty have driven prices to record levels, with an increase exceeding 25% since early 2025. Many experts suggest this is a good time to diversify with gold.

Current precious metals prices as of 9:30 a.m. ET this morning

Investors also show a preference for silver, platinum, and palladium. Gold is generally less volatile than silver, which can fluctuate widely in a single day. Silver’s industrial uses make it more responsive to economic changes.

Platinum and palladium share characteristics with silver. They provide diversification benefits but are generally more volatile than gold.

The takeaway 

The United States economy has been unsettled, with ongoing inflation having a significant impact. Gold can serve as an inflation hedge in your portfolio. Thanks to various purchase methods, it’s a relatively accessible asset for most investors. Whether you invest through a gold IRA or a more hands-on account, gold can help you reach both short- and long-term financial targets.

Frequently asked questions