Coins and small bars Exchange traded gold Gold accounts Gold certificates Gold oriented funds Structured products

Overview

There are a number of ways of buying gold for investment purposes. Jewellery is not dealt with in this section, although in many countries it is purchased with the dual purposes of adornment and saving. The distinction between the purchase of physical gold and gaining an exposure to movements in the gold price is not always clear, especially since physical gold can be purchased in some forms without the owner needing to take delivery. If you are thinking about investing gold, it is worth giving the same consideration to your purchase as you would to any other investment. The following list of questions is provided as a guide to help you decide on the channel or channels that would be most appropriate for you. Why have you decided to buy gold? Do you want a real asset that you can have available at all times or do you simply want exposure to the gold price because you believe it is likely to rise? Will you want to have the gold delivered to you or would you prefer to have it stored in a vault? What costs are involved? These may include taxes, commissions, premiums, storage or insurance. Is the counterparty (the person or company from or through whom you will be making the purchase) reliable and trustworthy? How does gold fit in with any other investments you may have? For more information on the role gold can play as a portfolio diversifier