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[SOURCE](https://m.economictimes.com/thumb/msid-59296448,width-1200,height-900,resizemode-4,imgsize-35038/why-gold-is-not-a-good-investment.jpg)</center>

Ohh look.... someones put some money in the meter and goodOl' Welshie, and hes off (again) on another one of his preachy rants about the importance of a well balanced investment portfolio, that should 100% definitely include precious metals... Well, I covered the importance of, and the benefits of ["stacking" silver](https://hive.blog/hive-167922/@welshstacker/silver-investment-strategies-not-just-gold-s-sidekick) a few days ago, and just like the broken record i am, im back to remind you all of the importance of occasionally dipping deep in lto your pockets and splurging out for silvers more expensive, bigger brother - **GOLD**. 

Gold stands out as a valuable asset, providing a shield during market turbulence. Today, as i ofter do, ill delve into the art of gold investment, uncovering its unique advantages and strategies to safeguard your portfolio in uncertain times.

In 2023, a surge of investor interest propelled gold and precious metals to unprecedented heights, marking a pivotal moment in the financial realm. Widely regarded as an investment insurance policy, gold's value and performance defy the trends of other assets. Its ability to retain worth and allure heightens during market downturns and periods of inflation, making gold an enticing prospect in our current economic climate. Venturing into gold investment can take the form of acquiring physical gold, or bullion, in the shape of bars, rounds and coins.

Government mints worldwide, including the Royal Mint in the UK, the Royal Canadian Mint, the US Mint, and the Perth Mint in Australia, offer avenues to purchase physical gold. However, a prudent investor must research gold prices, understanding that the spread – the difference between buying and selling prices – fluctuates based on factors like gold content, weight, the seller, and market demand.

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[SOURCE](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/11/04/1e6d5e93-a1e5-4704-a99a-15092f9b2906/thumbnail/1200x630/5551d9add5df9a6425750b2506446e73/gettyimages-1356188193.jpg?v=3638d056f7798fc8425d74271bc0b398)</center>

Investing in physical gold carries tax advantages too, with no stamp duty or VAT on purchases here in the UK. Moreover, sales of coins issued by the Royal Mint, such as the Britannias and gold sovereigns, are exempt from capital gains tax as they hold the status of legal tender. The South African Krugerrand, minted since 1967, reigns as the most commonly traded gold coin, typically boasting the most economical premium over the spot price.

Every investment avenue has its pros and cons mind, and gold is no exception... Advocates, such as myself, view it as a crucial diversifier, especially when other assets move in tandem. Investing in gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, given its unique properties.

However, critics point out the lack of income generated from physical gold and the volatility of its short-to-medium-term prices, making it challenging to time the market accurately. Despite these challenges, many smart investors include gold in their portfolios due to its independent market behavior.

For those considering a foray into gold investment, and wishing to dip their toes in the market so to speak, evaluating its historical performance is prudent. While past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, the upward trajectory of gold prices is noteworthy. In July 2018, gold stood at $1,231, marking a 39% increase over the past **five years**. Timing remains a crucial factor, as evidenced by a three-year investment yielding $1,936, reaching a peak of $2,067 in August, but with a modest return of just 1.1%. Strategic timing is key in navigating the nuanced landscape of gold investments.

For those looking to broaden their investments or those looking to just gain more knowledge and a better understanding of all things precious metal related, the #silvergoldstackers community welcome all. Were a (semi)friendly bunch and always have time for those questions youve always wanted to ask. Find us [HERE](https://discord.com/invite/KCzbzTZk) on discord, where youll be welcomed and greated by members from all over the planet, happy to answer your questions. Come say hello!!

**This is not financial advice. Im just offering an opinion as someoalready hooked on the drug of "stacking"..

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If you dont own any precious metals, then why not tell us? As a community we encourage **ALL** engagements and encourage everyone to take the plunge and own at lease a sinlge ounce of silver or a fraction of gold. If your struggleing to find a safe and secure place to buy, reach out to the community as there is always someone willing to offer their time and advice to help you out.

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40+yr old, trying to shift a few pounds and sharing his efforsts on the blockchain. Come find me on [STRAVA](https://www.strava.com/athletes/20624817) or actifit, and we can keep each other motivated .

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Proud member of #teamuk. Teamuk is a tag for all UK residents, ex-pats or anyone currently staying here to use and get a daily upvote from the community. While the community actively encourages users of the platform to post and use the tag, remember that it is for UK members only.

Come join the community over on the discord channel- [HERE](https://discord.gg/D2zBEV4R)

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Want to find out more about gold and silver? Get the latest news, guides and information by following the best community on the blockchain - silvergoldstackers. We're a group of like minded precious metal stackers that love to chat, share ideas and spread the word about the benefits of "stacking". Please feel free to leave a comment below or join us in the community page, or on discord.

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