Gold is the most ดูราคา popular precious metal investment but it isn’t the only option. Silver and platinum are also gaining popularity. These alternative assets offer unique inflationary protection and genuine upheaval insurance against financial or political/military disasters. There are many ways to access these investments including the futures and options markets, commodity exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mining company stocks.

All of these products are volatile and carry some level of risk. The value of the metal you purchase may rise or fall depending on market conditions and other factors. Most importantly, it’s critical to understand your goals and risk appetite before making any investment.

When to Buy Gold: Timing Your Investment for Maximum Return

There’s no doubt that some investors like to diversify their portfolios with a small allocation of physical bullion. However, it’s important to remember that precious metals have no cash flow so you’ll receive no income unless you sell your assets at a profit. You’ll also need to pay for the storage of your assets which can be a big expense if you hold large amounts of metal.

Banks and other big investors do buy gold and other precious metals to help them hedge against inflation. And investment advisers often recommend that individual investors add a small percentage of their portfolio to these assets to reduce the risks associated with other asset classes. But even with these safeguards, investing in precious metals can be a risky proposition. So, before you invest, check with your Morgan Stanley financial advisor to see how adding these alternatives might fit into your long term plan.