The current cost of gold on November 11, 2025

Gold could be a smart investment for those seeking an asset that's less impacted by inflation. Gold has traditionally been viewed as an asset that increases in value over the long term. Instead of acquiring tangible gold assets, a lot of individuals opt for a gold IRA, which additionally provides the ease of avoiding the storage of actual gold, a process that can incur its own expenses. Whether you buy gold in any manner, it can function as a stable component of an investment portfolio when markets are unpredictable.

Historical gold price chart 

Gold doesn't always provide the perfect solution in every financial climate. During robust economic periods, equities can yield superior gains over both brief and extended durations. Between 1971 and 2024, conventional stocks saw average yearly returns of 10.7%, whereas gold's average was 7.9%.

However, gold serves as a dependable, low-risk asset when economic conditions are unstable. This leads some investors to view it primarily as a way to preserve wealth rather than a conventional investment such as equities or debt instruments.

What does “spot gold” mean? 

The spot price reflects the present cost to acquire or divest gold instantly through over-the-counter transactions. This assists investors in monitoring gold's demand and market shifts. An elevated spot price signifies increased demand. In contrast to futures contracts, the spot price pertains to immediate completion.

Contango describes a market situation where the price for future delivery exceeds the current spot price, a scenario frequently observed with commodities that incur storage expenses. Conversely, when the futures price falls below the spot price, this condition is termed backwardation.

The spot price can change due to numerous reasons, and investors ought to be ready for such fluctuations.

What is price spread in gold trading?

The price spread signifies the difference between an asset's purchase and sale rates.

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 consistently falls below the ask price.

A narrower difference between bid and ask prices signifies a more fluid market. Narrow spreads generally suggest increased gold interest.

How to invest in gold 

If you envision gold investment as a suitcase packed with gold bars, that's an incomplete picture. Although acquiring physical bars, coins, or jewelry is a possibility, the majority of gold transactions occur through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

According to James Taska, a fee-based financial advisor, a significant discussion exists regarding the utility of paper gold compared to its physical counterpart. A financial advisor finds it considerably simpler to adjust a client's gold holdings when they're structured as an exchange-traded fund (ETF), given that the difference between buying and selling prices for gold can fluctuate significantly and be quite broad.

Popular ways to invest in gold include:

• Gold bars and rounds: This is also referred to as bullion, and it's sold based on its weight, with its purity and the maker's information stamped on it.
• Gold coins: Rare collectible coins, such as the American Gold Eagle, tend to command higher prices than gold bars.
• 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?

Deciding if now is the right time to invest in gold is subjective. However, gold can help diversify your portfolio and reduce market risk.

Gold remains a stable asset amid today’s market volatility. Prices have reached record highs, up more than 25% since early 2025, driven by inflation and uncertainty. Many experts recommend adding gold for diversification.

Current precious metals prices 10:25 a.m. ET

Silver, platinum, and palladium are also common portfolio additions. Gold is typically less volatile than silver, which can see major price swings within a day. Silver’s use in industry makes it more responsive to economic trends.

Platinum and palladium behave similarly to silver. These rare metals can diversify a portfolio but are usually more volatile than gold.

The takeaway 

The United States economy has been unsettled for years, with persistent inflation making an impact. Gold can serve as an inflation hedge in your portfolio. With multiple ways to buy, gold is accessible to most investors. Whether through a gold IRA or a more active investment approach, gold can help achieve both short- and long-term goals.

Frequently asked questions