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Gold and silver is money, everything else is credit.

Gold never gets old

By RenukaPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Gold is always Gold:

The Allure of Gold - Why Investors Can't Get Enough:

“Commodities such as gold and silver have a world market that transcends national borders, politics, religions, and race.”

– Robert Kiyosaki, American Author

Gold has been a popular investment for centuries, and its allure shows no signs of slowing down. we explore the reasons why investors can't get enough of gold, including its perceived value as a safe haven asset, its historical significance as a store of wealth, and its versatility as a material used in a variety of industries. We also examine the risks associated with investing in gold, such as price volatility and the potential for fraud, and offer advice on how to invest in gold wisely.

A Brief History of Gold and Its Role in Society:

“The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Author

Gold has been used by humans for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The first recorded use of gold as currency was in 700 BC by the Lydians, a people of Asia Minor. They minted gold coins and used them in trade and commerce.

Over time, gold has played a significant role in the development of various societies, including the Aztecs, the Incas, and the Spanish empire. In Europe, gold was used extensively during the Renaissance period, particularly by the wealthy merchant families of Italy.

During the 19th century, gold rushes in California and Australia led to an increase in the supply of gold, which fueled economic growth and development. Gold also played a key role in the establishment of the gold standard, a monetary system where the value of a country's currency is fixed to a specific amount of gold.

In the 20th century, gold remained an important component of the global economy, with countries accumulating large amounts of gold reserves. During times of economic uncertainty, such as the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis, gold has often been seen as a safe haven asset, as its value tends to rise during such periods.

Today, gold continues to be used in various industries, including jewelry, electronics, and aerospace, and is still seen as a store of value and a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The gold market is also a significant component of the global financial system, with gold trading taking place on exchanges around the world.

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold

“Gold is a treasure, and he who possesses it does all he wishes to in this world and succeeds in helping souls into paradise”

– Christopher Columbus

Investing in gold can be a tempting option for many investors looking for a safe haven asset. However, like any investment, there are pros and cons to consider. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of investing in gold.

Some of the pros include gold's historical track record as a store of value, its scarcity and durability, and its ability to diversify a portfolio. Additionally, gold tends to perform well during times of economic uncertainty or inflation, which can help to protect investors against market downturns.

However, there are also some cons to investing in gold. For example, gold doesn't generate any income like stocks or bonds, so it may not be suitable for income-seeking investors. Additionally, gold can be subject to price volatility, and its value can be influenced by factors outside of investors' control, such as changes in government policies or currency fluctuations.

Overall, investing in gold can be a smart choice for some investors, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to consider how it fits into your overall investment strategy.

Gold Rush: Exploring the Economics of Gold Mining

Water is best, but gold shines like fire blazing in the night, supreme of lordly wealth.

— Pindar, Ancient Greek Philosopher

The quest for gold has driven human exploration and economic development for centuries, from the gold rushes of the 19th century to the modern mining industry. In this article, we explore the economics of gold mining, including the costs and benefits associated with extracting gold from the earth.

We delve into the different methods of gold mining, from placer mining to hard rock mining, and examine the environmental and social impacts associated with each method. We also explore the economic benefits of gold mining, such as job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue generation for governments.

However, gold mining also has its downsides. We discuss the potential for environmental damage, including soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction, as well as the social impacts of mining, such as displacement of communities and human rights violations.

Overall, while gold mining can bring economic benefits, it's important to consider the costs and impacts associated with the industry. By exploring the economics of gold mining, we can gain a deeper understanding of its role in our society and its potential impact on the environment and communities.

"Is Gold the Ultimate Safe Haven Investment? Examining the Evidence"

“O Gold! I still prefer thee unto paper, which makes bank credit like a bark of vapour.”

— Lord Byron, English Poet

We explore the historical track record of gold during times of market turmoil, such as economic recessions or geopolitical crises, and analyze its performance compared to other safe haven assets, such as government bonds or the US dollar.

We also examine the factors that influence the price of gold, such as supply and demand dynamics, inflation expectations, and investor sentiment. Additionally, we discuss the risks associated with investing in gold, such as the potential for price volatility, liquidity issues, and the potential for fraud or counterfeit.

While gold has a reputation as a safe haven asset, we find that its performance as a safe haven investment can be mixed. While it has performed well during some periods of market turmoil, it has also underperformed during other periods. Ultimately, the decision to invest in gold as a safe asset depends on an individual's investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall investment strategy.

Physical gold or Gold Bonds?

SGBs(The Sovereign Gold Bond) are government securities denominated in grams of gold. The scheme was introduced in 2015 by the Government of India. The bonds are considered as substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors need to pay the issue price in cash and the bonds can be redeemed in cash on maturity. RBI issues the bonds on behalf of the government. Investors will receive the ongoing market price at the time of redemption, apart from the interest.

No Storage Cost: Most Indians tend to keep their gold in lockers at home or banks, which means there is a storage cost involved. But in SGB, there is no such additional cost involved, which makes it a better investment choice. “Investing in paper gold (SGBs) is a better option also because there aren’t any making charges as there are with gold jewellery,” says Nish Bhatt, founder and CEO, Millwood Kane International, an investment consulting firm.

Purity Not A Concern: One of the major concerns while buying physical gold is the risk of getting low-purity metal, especially when the units are not hallmark certified. But for SGBs, investors do not face such concerns.

Demat Account Needed: While you don’t need a demat account to buy digital gold, having one makes receiving the returns easier. “The gold units are allotted based on the investment amount and these units are credited into the demat account. If you do not have a demat account, the bonds can also be issued in physical and e-certificate form as well,” adds Harshad ChetanWala, co-founder of MyWealthGrowth.com, a financial advisory firm.

Taxation: The interest earned is taxable as per the income slab of the investor. “But if you sell the SGB after eight years (lock-in period), the whole capital gain will be exempt. Thus, for all practical purposes, physical gold is an investment with sluggish growth,” says Bhasin.

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