The History of Gold: Why it is a Smart Investment for Your Future

Gold has been a valuable commodity for thousands of years, with a rich history that spans continents and civilizations. From ancient times to the modern era, gold has been treasured for its beauty, rarity, and malleability. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, gold has historically proven to be a smart investment option for those seeking to secure their financial future.  ‍

Gold over the ages

The history of gold can be traced back to the dawn of civilization, with evidence of gold mining dating back to 2600 BC in the ancient kingdom of Egypt. The Egyptians believed that gold was the flesh of the sun god Ra, and used it to adorn their temples, tombs, and even their pharaohs. The Greeks and Romans also recognized the value of gold, using it to mint coins and decorate their buildings. Gold was also used as a form of currency in Egypt, and by the time of the pharaohs, gold had become a symbol of wealth and power.

In the Middle Ages, gold became a symbol of power and wealth, with monarchs adorning themselves with gold jewellery and crowns. The Age of Exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries led to the discovery of new gold mines in the Americas, sparking a global gold rush that would shape the course of history.

Gold's use as a currency continued throughout history, and it was the standard for currency exchange in the United States until the 1970s. During the California Gold Rush (1848-1855), gold became a sought-after commodity for investors, and many people became wealthy through the discovery and mining of the precious metal.  

In the 20th century, gold continued to be a valuable investment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.  It did well during the Great Depression, the Second World War, the 1974 oil price shock, and the recessions in the 1980s and 2000s. To top it all off, gold has historically performed well during shaky economic times, when inflation was rampant, gold prices rose dramatically as investors sought to protect their purchasing power.  

Gold as an investment

One of the primary reasons that gold is a smart investment is its ability to retain value over time. Unlike paper currencies, which can be devalued by inflation or political instability, gold has a tangible, intrinsic value that is not easily eroded. In fact, the price of gold has historically risen during times of economic uncertainty, making it a popular hedge against inflation and a safe haven asset for investors.

Today, gold remains a popular investment for many reasons. For one, it is a tangible asset that can be held and stored outside of the traditional banking system. . This can be especially appealing in times of economic uncertainty or political instability. Additionally, gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, as it tends to hold its value even as the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines.  

Another reason why gold is a smart investment is its potential for growth. While the price of gold can fluctuate in the short term, over the long term, gold has historically increased in value. For example, from around 2000 to 2020, the price of gold increased from around $280 per ounce to over $1,800 per ounce.

So why may gold be a smart investment for your future? For one, gold has proven to be a reliable store of value throughout history It's also a highly liquid asset, meaning that it's easy to buy and sell in the market. This makes it an accessible and flexible investment option, with a wide range of products available to suit different investment goals and preferences.

One popular way to invest in gold is through gold ETFs, which track the price of gold and allow investors to buy and sell shares on stock exchanges, however note that ETFs are not real gold, they are just contracts. Another option is to buy physical gold in the form of coins, bars, or jewellery, although this requires storage and security considerations.

You can skip all the hassle and can start investing in Gold with the Metfolio App from just £1 without worrying about storage, high premiums, or high selling fees.

Conclusion

Despite its popularity and long history, gold is not without its risks and challenges. The price of gold can be volatile, and it can be subject to market speculation and manipulation. In addition, the supply of gold is limited, with new discoveries becoming increasingly rare and mining becoming more costly and complex.

However, despite these challenges, gold has proven to be a resilient and enduring asset class, with a track record of holding value and providing diversification benefits. For those seeking to secure their financial future and protect against economic uncertainty, gold must not be looked over.  

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