Lately, we’ve been hearing more of our clients ask about buying gold, especially since Costco has started to sell gold bars. And honestly, we get the interest. Gold carries an almost timeless allure. It’s tangible, it’s scarce, and it’s been viewed for centuries as a safe place to store value. But before you add it to your portfolio (or give in to the salespeople at Costco), it’s worth considering what role gold truly plays in a modern investment strategy.
The Case for Gold
Gold has long been seen as a hedge against inflation, currency depreciation, and financial instability. It tends to attract attention during periods of uncertainty, when markets are volatile or investors are worried about central bank policies. Historically, gold prices have held up during market downturns, and for that reason, a modest allocation can provide
some psychological comfort.
A small position in gold can offer diversification benefits because its price movements are often less correlated with stocks and bonds. For those who value that diversification, a very small allocation of perhaps 1–3% of a portfolio may be reasonable.
The Limitations of Gold
Gold, however, doesn’t pay dividends or generate earnings. Its long-term return is driven largely by sentiment and shifts in investor demand. Over extended periods, equities and other income producing investments have far outperformed gold because they represent ownership in companies that innovate and expand their earnings over time.
Physical gold comes with storage and insurance costs. It can also be illiquid in times when selling quickly becomes necessary. And while gold may feel like a safe haven, in a true crisis scenario, where currencies or systems fail, owning a few gold bars is unlikely to solve the deeper challenges of daily life.
A Balanced Perspective
For most investors, gold doesn’t need to be a core part of a well-constructed portfolio. A diversified mix of equities, fixed income, and cash reserves can already serve as an effective hedge against inflation and volatility. Still, for those who feel strongly about owning gold, a very small allocation can make sense as a portfolio diversifier and
behavioral stabilizer.
Final Thoughts
Gold’s appeal often rises when uncertainty dominates the headlines. It can provide comfort and a sense of control. But as history shows, the most reliable path to long-term wealth has been through owning productive assets that grow over time. Gold may shine in moments of fear, but lasting financial success is built on patience, diversification, and
discipline.
