The price of gold stood at $3,185 per ounce as of 9:05 a.m. Eastern Time on May 16, 2025. This marks an $11 decrease compared to the same time yesterday and more than a $770 jump from a year prior.
For those seeking an investment that isn’t directly linked to inflation fluctuations, gold could be a suitable option. Historically, gold tends to appreciate over time. A gold IRA is one of the most popular ways to buy and hold gold, providing portfolio stability during turbulent markets. It’s also a practical solution for investors who prefer not to deal with the logistics of storing physical gold bullion.
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Historical gold price chart
Gold isn’t always a guaranteed winner. In robust economic periods, equities can outperform both in the short and long run. From 1971 through 2024, the stock market’s average annual return was 10.7%, while gold’s was 7.9% over the same span.
Still, during periods of economic instability, gold is considered a safer, risk-averse asset. Many investors view it more as a store of value than as an investment like stocks or bonds.
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What does “spot gold” mean?
The spot gold price refers to the immediate purchase or sale price of gold in an over-the-counter transaction. This metric helps investors gauge current demand and market trends. Put simply, a higher spot gold price signals stronger demand. Unlike futures contracts, the spot price is for instant delivery.
If the future price exceeds the spot price, this is known as contango, common in commodities with significant storage costs. If the futures price is below the spot price, the market is in backwardation.
Numerous factors can influence the spot price, causing it to fluctuate frequently. Prospective gold investors should be comfortable with this level of price volatility.
What is price spread in gold trading?
A price spread is the gap between the price at which an asset can be purchased and the price at which it can be sold.
In gold trading, these are called the ask price (the cost to buy) and the bid price (the amount you’d receive selling). The bid price is always less than the ask price.
A narrower spread indicates a more liquid market. When the spread is tight, it suggests rising demand for gold.
How to invest in gold
If your mind jumps to Scrooge McDuck diving into gold coins when you think of gold investment, that’s only partly accurate. While buying physical gold bars, coins, or jewelry is possible, gold is frequently traded via exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
James Taska, a fee-based financial advisor, notes, “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.”
Common gold investment options include:
- Gold bars: Known as bullion, these are sold by weight (gram or ounce), with purity, weight, and manufacturer details stamped on the bar. Gold rounds are another form you may find bullion in.
- Gold coins: Collectibles like the American Gold Eagle often carry a premium over bars of equivalent weight due to their rarity and collectible status.
- Gold jewelry: Jewelry’s price usually exceeds its gold content value due to design and craftsmanship.
- Gold futures contracts: These allow investors to agree on a set price for gold at a future date, enabling speculation without physical delivery.
- Gold funds: Mutual funds or ETFs holding gold assets. Like other ETFs, their value fluctuates with the underlying holdings.
Is it a good time to invest in gold?
Determining whether now is the optimal time to invest in gold is somewhat subjective. However, gold can help diversify portfolios and cushion against market swings.
Currently, gold remains a stable asset amid high market volatility. Prices have reached record levels, climbing over 25% since early 2025, driven by persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. Many experts recommend adding gold to diversify holdings.
Current precious metals prices as of 9:05 a.m. ET on May 16, 2025
Silver, platinum, and palladium are also popular portfolio additions. Gold is generally less volatile than silver, which can swing widely even within a single day. Silver’s industrial uses make it more sensitive to economic shifts.
Platinum and palladium behave similarly to silver. While these rare metals can add diversification, they tend to fluctuate more than gold.
The takeaway
The U.S. economy has experienced significant changes in recent years, with prolonged inflation taking a toll. Gold can act as an inflation hedge within a portfolio. Thanks to various acquisition methods, it’s a relatively accessible asset for investors, regardless of experience. Whether you choose a gold IRA or a more active investment account, gold can help achieve both short- and long-term financial goals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to own gold?
Many investors prefer gold ETFs, which offer a managed selection of easily traded assets.
Is gold a good investment?
Gold is often chosen by those seeking portfolio diversification and inflation protection. There are many accessible ways to invest in gold.
Should I buy gold coins or gold bars?
Gold coins are considered collectibles and may have a higher value per ounce than bars. Their collectible and historical appeal can make them attractive to some investors. Additionally, U.S. minted coins can help safeguard buyers against counterfeit bars.
