1. History of holding value
Gold has consistently kept its value throughout the ages and is a way to pass on wealth from one generation to the next. It has been precious throughout history but wasn’t used as currency until around 643 BC. From an approximate value of $20.63 in 1929, to an approximate value of $1,302.50 in 2017, the value of gold has risen with the fall in the US dollar. As the dollar falls people turn to invest in the secure, physical gold; as shown between 1998 and 2008 where the price of gold nearly tripled.
2. Inflation
Gold is a hedge against inflation in the long term because its value rises when the cost of living increases. Unlike money currency and stocks, gold prices soar during high inflation years hence it can serve as a relatively effective inflation hedge, usually accompanied by fears about the current state of the U.S. dollar and the global monetary system.
3. Deflation
Deflation is a period in which prices decrease, business activity slows, and the economy is burdened by excessive debt. The global deflation, also known as the Great Depression of 1930s, saw the relative purchasing power of gold soar while other prices dropped significantly. Between 1929-33, overall prices fell 31%, yet gold’s purchasing power rose 44%; for even in a depression gold is still precious.
4. Increasing Demand
An increase in wealth of emerging market economies boosts the demand for gold. Demand for gold has also grown among investors, as many are beginning to see commodities as an investment class into which funds should be allocated.
Synchronised global economic growth, shrinking central bank balance sheets, rising interest rates, insubstantial asset prices and market transparency are key trends which are ensuring gold is maintain its relevance as a strategic asset in 2018.
5. Decreasing Supply
Much of the supply of gold in the market since the 1990s has come from sales of gold bullion from the vaults of global central banks. This selling by global central banks slowed greatly in 2008. At the same time, production of new gold from mines had been declining since 2000. Bullion prices are set to climb as a result, due to a lack of exploration and the global industry’s lack of replacing the reserves it has been mining.
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