Today, owning gold can act as a hedge against inflation and deflation alike, as well as a good portfolio diversifier. As a global store of value, gold can also provide financial cover during geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty.

How do I invest in physical gold and silver?

The easiest way to invest in gold and silver is to buy one or more exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The key advantage is that they are extremely liquid, and you can buy or sell them within your brokerage account. This allows for easy portfolio rebalancing and an inexpensive and hassle-free buying/selling process.

How much should you invest in gold and silver?

So how much should you invest in gold and/or silver? Most experts recommend you hold somewhere between 5% and 10% of your investment portfolio in gold and silver. That would include either or both bullion or gold-mining stocks and/or mutual funds.

Is it better to own physical gold or silver?

Many investors prefer to own physical gold and silver instead of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest in these precious metals. While the tax implications of owning and selling ETFs are very straightforward, not many people fully understand the tax implications of owning and selling physical bullion.

How are physical gold and silver investments taxed?

Below is a description of how these investments are taxed, as well as their tax-reporting requirements, cost basis calculations, and ways to offset any tax liabilities from the sale of physical gold or silver.

What’s the best way to invest in precious metals?

The rest of this guide discusses the pros and cons of holding precious metals in the form of 1) physical gold and silver, 2) ETFs and options, or 3) miners and streaming/royalty companies, and explains how to approach gold and silver valuation. The oldest method for gold and silver investing is just to buy some physical coins or bars.