Gold was trading at $4,737 per ounce at 9:10 a.m. Eastern Time on January 20, 2026. This is a $2 gain from yesterday at the same hour and $1,993 higher than a year ago.
For investors wanting an asset less affected by inflation, gold may be a wise choice. Historically, Gold is an asset that appreciates over time. Rather than collecting the actual physical gold manifestations, many people use a gold IRA, which also offers the convenience of not having to store physical gold, which can come with its own cost. Regardless of how you purchase gold, it can help serve as a steady part of a portfolio during market volatility.
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Historical gold price chart
Gold isn’t a guaranteed answer in every financial environment. In a strong economy, stocks can deliver better returns both in the short and long term. From 1971 to 2024, traditional stocks averaged 10.7% annual returns, while gold averaged 7.9%.
Still, gold is a reliable, risk-averse asset during economic uncertainty. That’s why some investors see it more as a store of value instead of a typical investment like stocks or bonds.
What does “spot gold” mean?
The spot price is the current rate for buying or selling gold immediately in over-the-counter trades. This helps investors track gold demand and market trends. A higher spot price means stronger demand. Unlike futures, the spot price is for immediate settlement.
When the price for future delivery is above the spot price, it’s called contango, which is common for commodities with storage costs. If the futures price is lower, it’s called backwardation.
Many factors can cause the spot price to fluctuate. Investors should be prepared for this volatility.
What is price spread in gold trading?
The price spread is the gap between the buying and selling price of an asset.
In gold trading, the ask price is the cost to buy, and the bid price is what you’d get for selling. The bid is always less than the ask.
A smaller spread means a more liquid market. Tight spreads typically indicate higher gold demand.
How to invest in gold
If you picture gold investing as a suitcase filled with gold bars, that’s only part of the story. While buying physical bars, coins, or jewelry is an option, most gold trading happens via exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
James Taska, a fee-based financial advisor, says, “There is a great debate as to whether paper gold is as useful as the physical. From a financial advisor’s viewpoint, it is much easier to rebalance a client’s allocation of gold if it is owned as an exchange-traded fund (ETF), and the spread when attempting to buy/sell gold can be quite variable and wide.”
Popular ways to invest in gold include:
- Gold bars and rounds: Also known as bullion, sold by weight, with purity and manufacturer details marked.
- Gold coins: Collectible coins like the American Gold Eagle, often priced higher than bars due to rarity.
- Gold jewelry: Priced above gold content for design and craftsmanship.
- Gold futures contracts: Agreements to buy gold at a future date, allowing speculation without handling the metal.
- Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs invested in gold, with values tied to the underlying assets.
Is it a good time to invest in gold?
Deciding if now is the right time to invest in gold is subjective. However, gold can help diversify your portfolio and reduce market risk.
Gold remains a stable asset amid market volatility. Prices have reached record highs, up more than 25% since early 2025, driven by inflation and uncertainty. Many experts recommend adding gold for diversification.
Current precious metals prices as of 9:10 a.m. ET on January 20, 2026
Silver, platinum, and palladium are also common portfolio additions. Gold is typically less volatile than silver, which can see major price swings within a day. Silver’s use in industry makes it more responsive to economic trends.
Platinum and palladium behave similarly to silver. These rare metals can diversify a portfolio but are usually more volatile than gold.
The takeaway
The U.S. economy has been unsettled for years, with persistent inflation making an impact. Gold can serve as an inflation hedge in your portfolio. With multiple ways to buy, gold is accessible to most investors. Whether through a gold IRA or a more active investment approach, gold can help achieve both short- and long-term goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to own gold?
Many investors choose gold ETFs, which provide a managed, easily traded basket of assets.
Is gold a good investment?
Gold is a popular choice for those seeking diversification and inflation protection. There are many straightforward ways to invest.
Should I buy gold coins or gold bars?
Gold coins are collectibles and may be valued higher per ounce than bars. Their collectible and historical value can appeal to some investors. U.S. minted coins can also help guard against counterfeit bars.
