Pros and Cons of Investing in Gold

Investing in gold has become a much more popular idea in todays world with the global recession. Before deciding whether a gold investment is right for you, consider the pros and cons of investing in gold. This article will examine this history of gold as an investment, the sources of demand for gold, why investors typically choose to invest in gold, and the types of risk that are inherent in different types of investment.

History of Gold

The first known mining of gold was by the Egyptians approximately 2000 BCE, and the first coin minted that included gold in its composition was made during the eighth century BCE. The first pure gold coins were struck at the order of King Croesus of Lydia who reigned from 560 to 547BCE in what is now modern Turkey. Since the time of King Croesus, pure gold has been used as a form of currency throughout the world. Currently the annual production of gold is relatively stable with no foreseeable increase due to lack of exploration and mine development. Current mines that are developed replace the production of mines going out of commission, producing a relatively flat outlook for future gold production. Currently, banks account for the holding of approximately 20% of all above ground gold resources.

The market and sources of demand for gold are fairly stable. Currently the jewelry industry accounts for approximately 68% of the annual demand for gold. Financial investment accounts for around 19% and the remaining 13% is used within the technology industry as gold is an excellent conductor.

General Reasons for Investing in Gold

Usually people choose investing in gold for two broad and very different purposes.  The first reason is to earn profits trading gold over the short term to capitalize on any short term increases in gold prices.  The second reason, and possibly more important reason in today's economy is as a protection of wealth.  Gold has historically held its value despite inflation, changing politics, and any market problems that arise because it is inherently different than investing in stocks, bonds, or foreign currencies.

Types of Investment Risk

• credit risk
• liquidity risk
• market risk

Investing in Gold - Credit Risk

There are generally three types of risk that are involved in making an investment. The first is a credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that a debtor will not pay such as with mortgages. One of the pros of investing in gold is that this risk does not apply. Gold is not a liability to anyone. Unlike currency investment, gold is not effected by any country's issuing policies or economic policies.

Investing in Gold - Liquidity Risk

The second type of risk is liquidity risk. This is the risk that when you wish to sell the commodity in question, a buyer will not be found. Gold is constantly in demand all over the world and thus has a relatively very low liquidity risk because of 24 hour trading and a wide range of buyers from other investors to the jewelry and manufacturing sectors. In addition, there is a wide range of investment options for gold including coins, bars, jewelry, futures and options, exchange traded funds, and certificates.

Investing in Gold - Market Risk

The last type of risk involved in making an investment is market risk. Gold is subject to market risk, but many of the cons to investing in gold are very different than other investments which actually enhances investing in gold as a way to diversify your portfolio. The risk to gold prices happens in the short term when a rather large investor decides to liquefy a substantial amount of gold rather quickly. While the price of gold would be effected in the short term, because of the stability of gold production, it is unlikely to have any impact on equity returns. Likewise the risks that are inherent in bods and equities during an economic downturn do not apply to investing in gold. One simple measure of the market risk of a commodity is the volatility of the market. The more volatile a market is, the riskier it is to invest in it. Historically gold price is less volatile than any other commodity prices. Any sudden increase in demand for gold can usually be met with relative ease because of the large above ground stock of gold – of which nearly 20% are held by banks.

In conclusion, the pros of investing in gold derive primarily from the differences between gold investment versus other types of investment. Investing in gold incurs no credit risk, very limited liquidity risk, and a different type of market risk than stocks, bonds, or foreign currencies. Gold can be traded either in the short term or used as a protection of wealth as gold is not subject to inflation in the manner of paper currencies and gold's value is not based on the economic whim of any country.

An interesting question was posed in November 2005 by Rick Munarriz of Motley Fool .com as to whether a share of Google or an ounce of gold were a better investment. At the time, both were valued near $700. As of this writing (6-12-2009), a share of Google closed at $424.84 USD while the current gold price per oz. In USD is $939.10.