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This post was finally written by Ultima_Markets to 2026-2-5 11:05 edit
In today's uncertain global economic outlook and inflationary pressures, many people are seeking safe havens that can safeguard asset values. “ goldInvestment "has once again become the focus of the market due to its millennium old preservation characteristics. However, the buying and selling methods of gold are no longer limited to buying gold bars at gold shops or banks, from gold passbooks to goldETFTo GoldCFDThe variety of choices is dazzling.
This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the six mainstream gold investment channels and offer a clear comparison table to assist you in2025Make the wisest investment decisions of the year.
Beginner's Guide to Gold Investment - ultima markets
Analysis of the Three Core Values of Gold Investment
The reason why gold can travel through thousands of years of history is still an indispensable part of investment portfolios, mainly based on its three core values. Understanding these values is the foundation for taking the first step in gold investment.
Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages of Gold Investment Channels - ultima markets
Value 1: The first choice for safe haven in turbulent timesWhen there is uncertainty in the market such as geopolitical conflicts and economic downturns, investors tend to sell risky assets such as stocks and seek safe havens for their funds. Gold, due to its limited supply and not being issued by any single economy, has become a recognized "safe haven asset" and its price often rises against the trend during market panic.
Value 2: A Tool to Combat InflationInflation means that the purchasing power of currency decreases, and your cash in hand will become increasingly 'thin'. The value of gold is relatively stable. When a currency depreciates due to overproduction, the price of gold usually rises, effectively offsetting the erosion of assets by inflation and playing a role in preserving value.
Value Three: Diversify Portfolio RiskThe trend of gold prices has a low correlation with mainstream assets such as stocks and bonds, and even shows a negative correlation. This means that when the stock market falls, gold may rise. Configuring a certain proportion of gold in an investment portfolio can effectively reduce the volatility of overall assets and achieve the effect of risk diversification.
Gold investment6Overview of Large Pipelines: Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of a TableThere are significant differences in transaction costs, convenience, risk levels, and suitability for different gold investment channels. The direct answer is: there is no best method, only the method that is most suitable for you. The following table quickly outlines the characteristics of six mainstream pipelines for you to understand at a glance.
Investment pipeline | Core advantages | Core drawbacks | Suitable for ethnic groups | Physical gold | Having physical objects,Strong sense of security,No counterparty risk | Large bid ask spread,There are storage and security risks | Extremely conservative investors who pursue asset inheritance | Golden passbook | bank transaction,Low threshold,No storage issues | Transaction costs are relatively high,Unable to generate interest | Novice investors with small investments who do not want to hold physical gold | goldETF | Low transaction costs,Extremely high liquidity,Easy to operate | Management fee to be paid,Cannot exchange physical gold | Investors who are familiar with stock trading and value cost and efficiency | Stocks of gold mining companies | Opportunity to earn dividends,Stock price increase may surpass gold price | Greatly affected by company operations and overall stock market fluctuations | Stock investors who have research on the industry and can withstand higher risks | | Leverage operation,Efficient use of funds | Extremely high risk,There are expiration date restrictions,Need to make up for the deposit | Professional trader, institutional legal representative | goldCFD | High leverage,Both long and short positions can be operated,24Hourly trading | High leverage risk,Not suitable for long-term holding | Short term active traders, those who want to profit in bear markets |
Deep analysis of various pipelines: find your destined gold investment method
After reviewing the overview, let's delve into the operational details and precautions of each pipeline.
Factors affecting the price of gold investment - ultima markets
1. Physical Gold: The Most Sensible InvestmentPurchasing physical gold (such as bars, grains, and coins) is the most traditional way to give people a sense of peace of mind that is "in their hands". But when purchasing, please note: Price difference issue:The price difference between the buying price and the selling price is usually large, especially for gold jewelry, whose investment value is much lower than that of gold bars due to the inclusion of design and craftsmanship costs. Storage cost:Physical gold requires a secure storage location, whether it's a home safe or a bank safe, there are certain costs and risks involved. mobility:When realizing, it is necessary to find a bank or institution willing to repurchase, and the process is relatively complicated with poor liquidity.
2. Golden passbook: an introductory brick for lazy investorsA gold passbook is a service provided by banks, where investors only need to open an account to buy and sell gold in grams or ounces. The transaction record will be displayed on the passbook, but it does not involve physical delivery. The advantage of this method is that the threshold is extremely low, starting with just a few thousand yuan, and there is no hassle of physical storage. However, the disadvantage is that banks usually charge transaction fees and the bid ask spread is higher than that of goldETFWide, it will erode profits in the long run.
3. goldETFThe most efficient choicegoldETF(Exchange Traded Fund)It is a fund that tracks the spot price of gold and is listed for trading on the stock exchange, with buying and selling methods identical to stocks. This is currently one of the most popular gold investment methods, with main advantages including:
High liquidity:You can buy and sell at any time during trading hours, with fast monetization speed. Low transaction costs:The transaction fee for buying and selling is the same as that of stocks, and the price difference is very small. The management fee for long-term holding is also relatively low. Price transparency:The price closely follows the international gold price and is open and transparent.
Internationally renowned goldETFhaveSPDR Gold Shares (GLD)And the stock market also tracks the price of gold futuresETFAvailable for selection.
4. Gold mining company stocks: a bet of volatility plus multiplicationInvesting in stocks of gold mining companies is equivalent to investing in "enterprises" that mine gold. The performance of such investments is not only influenced by the gold price, but also closely related to the company's operational efficiency, mining costs, financial condition, and overall stock market atmosphere. When the gold price rises, the stock price of well managed gold mining companies may exceed the gold price itself; On the contrary, if the gold price falls or the company is poorly managed, the stock price may also experience a deeper decline, which is a choice with higher risks and potential returns.
5 & 6. Gold Futures and Contracts for Differences(CFD): Game for Professional TradersGold Futures and GoldCFDAll belong to margin trading, allowing traders to use leverage to amplify profits and losses. Their core feature is the ability to engage in 'long short' operations, which means they can profit by shorting even when the gold price falls. like Ultima Markets This type of platform that provides professional trading tools supports goldCFDTrading allows investors to respond more flexibly to market fluctuations. Its main advantages are: High capital efficiency:Only a small amount of margin is needed to operate contracts with higher value. Long transaction time:goldCFDAlmost possible24Hour by hour trading, keeping up with global market trends.
Beginner's Three Steps: How to Start Your First Gold Investment?After understanding various tools, practical operation is the key. Following the following three steps can help you take the first step steadily.
Common Risks and Countermeasures in Gold Investment - ultima markets
Step 1: Clarify goals and risk toleranceFirst, ask yourself: What is my purpose for investing in gold? Is it for long-term anti inflation, asset inheritance, or short-term profit margin? How much financial loss can you bear? Different goals correspond to different tools. For example, long-term preservation can consider goldETFOr a gold passbook; If you want to engage in active trading, you can study goldCFDAnd start practicing with a simulated account to familiarize yourself with operations and risks.
Step 2: Select the pipeline and complete the account opening processChoose the most suitable pipeline based on your goals. If choosing goldETFOr gold mining stocks, you need a securities account. If you choose a gold passbook, you need to go to the bank to handle it.
Step 3: Understand the key factors affecting gold pricesGold investment is not about buying and then letting go. You need to continue to pay attention to several key macro factors that affect gold prices:
USD Index:Gold is priced in US dollars, and a strong US dollar usually suppresses gold prices, and vice versa. Actual interest rate:When the real interest rate (nominal interest rate minus inflation rate) rises, the opportunity cost of holding non yielding gold increases, which is unfavorable for the gold price. Central bank policy:The monetary easing or tightening policies of major central banks around the world will directly affect market liquidity and interest rate levels, thereby affecting gold prices. Market sentiment:Global risk aversion, such as wars and financial crises, will drive up demand for gold.
summaryThe world of gold investment is both traditional and modern, providing diverse choices for investors with different needs, from physical gold bars to highly leveraged derivative products. In summary, there is no absolute superiority or inferiority, only suitability.
For most novice or steady investors, goldETF Due to its low cost and high liquidity, it is an ideal choice for core configuration. If you want to make small investments, a golden passbook is also a convenient starting point. For active traders who pursue higher elasticity and potential returns, and already possess considerable trading knowledge, goldCFD It provides a strategy tool that is suitable for both long and short positions.
Regardless of which method you choose, please remember that any investment comes with risks. Before investing funds, it is important to do your homework, evaluate your financial situation, and gradually establish your golden position starting from small amounts. On this investment journey spanning thousands of years, steady progress is the key to success.
Common problems in gold investment (FAQ)
Do I need to pay taxes when buying gold?Based on policy differences, whether buying and selling physical gold (such as gold bars and gold nuggets) is exempt from business tax depends on local policies. But if profits are generated through gold investment, they need to be declared based on the nature of the income. For example, buying and selling gold passbooks or goldETFThe profits obtained from property transactions should be included in the personal comprehensive income tax declaration. Overseas goldETForCFDProfits are included in overseas income and are subject to the minimum tax burden system. For specific tax issues, it is recommended to consult a professional accountant.
What is the biggest risk of investing in gold?The biggest risk comes from price fluctuations and opportunity costs. Although gold is considered a safe haven asset, its price is still subject to severe fluctuations due to multiple factors such as global economic data, interest rate policies, and US dollar trends. In addition, gold itself cannot generate interest or dividends, and the opportunity cost of holding gold becomes high when the stock or bond market performs strongly. For tools that use leverage, such as futuresCFD)The biggest risk is the risk of being forced to close positions due to insufficient margin.
Is now a good time to invest in gold?This is a question without a standard answer. Judging the timing requires comprehensive consideration of the current macroeconomic environment. Generally speaking, the attractiveness of gold increases during periods of high inflation, interest rate decline cycles, geopolitical tensions, and high financial market uncertainty. It is not recommended for investors to attempt to predict the highest or lowest point of the market. A more practical approach is to consider gold as a part of asset allocation, by buying in batches or regularly setting quotas to smooth costs and diversify timing risks.
Gold passbook and goldETFWhich is better?Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs. If you are a novice investor and want to start with very small amounts (such as a few thousand yuan per month), and prefer to trade at familiar banks, a gold passbook is a convenient choice. If you already have a securities account, are sensitive to trading costs, and pursue better liquidity and smaller bid ask spreads, then goldETFIt will be a more efficient and cost-effective tool.
Risk Disclosure and DisclaimerInvestment involves risks, including the possibility of losing principal. The information provided in this article is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice, offer or solicitation. Investors should make independent investment decisions based on their financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment goals. |