The Price of Gold and the Gold Standard

Many will consider investing in gold, but may shy away, due to a misunderstanding of its value. If you are thinking about buying gold shares, you should start by researching prices and by gaining an understanding of the gold standard. It is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of gold backed monetary systems, and how this metal affects the economy.
Gold Standard VS Money
Before the 1930s, the U.S. monetary system was backed by gold. During this time, the metal was valued as the fixed weight (in ounces). This meant that paper notes could be redeemed for equal value in gold. Today, the monetary system is no longer backed by the precious metal. It is backed by faith. What this means is that money is only as valuable as those who believe in it.
One of the benefits of a gold standard, is that it helps maintain the value of money in a more stable manner. Without the backing of gold, too much or too little money can be printed, which can lead to inflation or deflation. However, it is not likely the monetary system will return to the gold standard any time soon.
Though the monetary system is not backed by gold, its value has remained steady. The price of gold today is very close the price of 30 years ago. This is an indicator that the precious metal may be a good investment, in terms of being relatively safe. Many experts encourage investing in gold, as it seems to be a relatively sound investment.
Determinants of the Price of Gold
Though stocks have company performance to help investors make investment decisions, gold has none. Would be investors must rely solely on economic conditions and global supply and demand. The demand for gold is difficult to predict, making it a somewhat difficult investment.
However, for those who want to diversify or want something for long term investment, gold may be a suitable choice. Gold prices have fluctuated significantly over the past few decades. At one time the price of gold was about $2,000 an ounce. It then dropped to $300 an ounce. Currently, the price for an ounce is at around $1,300. While economic conditions determine the price of gold to an extent, it can also have a protective effect.
Benefits of Purchasing Gold
Buying gold can be a way of protecting against financial crises. It can protect against losses of a savings portfolio. You can protect buying power, if inflation continues to rise. You can also protect yourself against the effects of a major bank collapse like in 2008. Some experts believe it is far better to own gold than paper money, in the event of another financial crisis.
While some controversy surrounds the benefit of owning gold, it is worthwhile to investigate. As with any investment, it pays to speak to an official gold dealer and do some background research. Some comparative charts can help you determine if gold is a good investment to meet YOUR future needs. It is also noteworthy to pay attention to supply. It is expected that demand will soon surpass supply. I think that now is a good time to invest in precious metals like gold, before the supply runs out or becomes difficult to attain. Now you can buy gold relatively cheaper than two years ago. The risk of waiting longer is that you will be buying the top before the next correction.
Conclusion
There are many considerations in determining whether or not investing in gold is a smart move. Decide for yourself, by speaking with experts, doing some research, and determining if owning gold can help your particular financial situation. And when you're serious about gold purchase, an official gold dealer may help, by providing some detailed information on gold and its performance in markets over the past several decades.
I am as always Bullish on Gold.


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