Is the World Going Back on the Gold Standard?
The price of gold fluctuates about as much as other major market prices do, but there is something quite particular to gold that no other commodity has. First of all, the history of trade in gold is more important than that of just about any other commodity.
Silver, a less rare precious metal, has a long history as well, but it has almost always been less valuable than gold. Platinum and other rare metals have only been traded for at most, hundreds of years, compared to the thousands that gold has. This is because gold is the historical financial asset without equal.
Rather than paper or coin money, gold is stubbornly durable. Bury a valuable gold nugget and it will be discovered in pristine condition a thousand years later, probably even more valuable than when it went into the ground. This is why so many ordinary people have discovered the wisdom of buying gold.
Buying and Selling Gold Futures
If you are just beginning the process of gold buying and selling, the futures market can be the best training ground. Your best option is to buy and sell gold futures through the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange), along with other futures exchanges that trade gold.
With futures, you do not have to worry about the logistical hassle of taking physical delivery of gold bullion. You also will not be responsible for the security arrangement to secure your gold nuggets, as well as insurance and other costs.
With futures, you can buy contracts that give you claim to gold in specified amounts in the future. When your contracts expire, you can either trade them in for cash, or, if you choose, opt to get the actual gold.
You can settle the contract from a futures exchange in order to take physical delivery of the gold. However, most futures markets do not offer this option. It's good, however, to explore with your chosen futures exchange if they offer this alternative.
In most other cases, you will want to buy gold from the US Mint, a gold dealer, or a major bank that offers standard gold coins or bars. Some of the gold coins out there include the Britannia, the South African Krugerrand, and various US as well as Canadian coins. For larger gold investments, bars are more practical.
Using Gold As a Long Term Store of Value
One key reason to hold gold is gold's ability to serve as a store of value. While other assets like foreign currencies, stocks, and bonds, offer easier access to liquidity, gold beats them when it comes to resiliency.
A hundred years ago, when stocks in certain companies like Apple or McDonald's did not even exist, gold bullion was already worth a lot of money. It's safe to say, after the next great market crash happens and several large companies' stocks become worthless, bullion will still be with us.
If the financial system ever gives up entirely, betting on the ability of gold to serve as the financial asset of last resort will likely still be a smart choice.
How to Avoid Gold Scams When Buying or Selling
There are multiple scams you have to be aware of, and thus, on the lookout for when buying gold per gram or using other weights.
First, do not buy gold from random websites that offer gold online. Often, you will send in a credit card payment or transfer, and nothing gets delivered.
Secondly, make sure that you can inspect the coins or bullion before taking delivery, particularly if you are buying larger quantities. Counterfeit gold is one of the oldest schemes in history, and it's still a big menace today.
You might want to work with professional gold assayers from reputable banking institutions, otherwise you might be sold a dummy.
In addition, you will want to exercise due caution, such as securing gold properly. When selling gold, never sell to unverified or anonymous buyers. Preferably, you should sell to a major buyer, such as a national bank, that will stick to sound business practices and pay you a fair price.
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Is the World Going Back on the Gold Standard?
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