Key takeaways

• Gold can be accessed in different ways, from owning physical gold to investing through funds, stocks, or futures.
• How to buy gold depends on whether you prefer direct ownership or financial investments that are easier to trade.
• Knowing how to invest in gold means balancing diversification benefits with costs, risk, and price volatility.

As gold prices continue to climb, many investors are looking at how to invest in gold as a potential hedge against inflation and market uncertainty. Following a strong 2025, gold entered 2026 with momentum, recently reaching record levels above $5,100 an ounce amid geopolitical tensions, trade concerns, and falling real interest rates.¹ Analysts remain increasingly bullish, with some forecasting prices as high as $7,150 an ounce in 2026, as central banks and investors continue diversifying away from the U.S. dollar.²

According to Empower research, 46% of Americans link financial success to smart investing decisions, a mindset that may lead some to consider investing in gold.

How to invest in gold

There are various ways to invest in gold, falling into two categories: physical gold and gold-related financial investments. While purchasing gold bars or coins is the most direct way to buy gold, these can be illiquid and must be stored securely. Financial investments in gold, such as gold mining stocks, futures, and funds, can be purchased in smaller dollar amounts, and are easy to buy and sell. Let’s look at the different options available for investing in gold.

How to buy physical gold

Physical gold comes in the form of gold bullion (bars of gold), gold coins, or gold jewelry. Buying gold bullion is a direct investment in gold’s value, and each dollar change in the price of gold will proportionally change the value of one’s holdings. Though purchasing physical gold is the most direct way to invest in gold, it’s also the most challenging to buy, store, and sell.

Gold stocks: An indirect way to invest in gold

Investors might consider individual stocks, such as those for public companies that mine for gold (and other metals), to get indirect exposure to the price of gold. As the price of gold changes, so too can the value of these types of companies.

Gold ETFs and mutual funds

Investing in gold mutual funds means you own shares in multiple gold-related assets, like many companies that mine or process gold, but you don’t own the actual gold or individual stocks yourself. Gold exchange-traded funds (ETF) or mutual funds may be one of the simpler ways to invest in gold; these funds offer greater diversification than investing in a single stock.

Gold futures: A more complex way to invest in gold

Gold futures are contracts that allow you to buy or sell a specific amount of gold at a specific price in the future. The contract itself is what is traded on an exchange. Futures contracts are generally more complex than stocks and can involve a great deal of risk.

Why is investing in gold on the rise?

It’s a hedge against inflation

Gold is traditionally used as a way to help maintain purchasing power, particularly when inflation is persistent. When inflation is high, the purchasing power of the dollar decreases. But the value of gold typically increases when there's a devaluation of traditional currency. By investing in gold, investors attempt to actively hedge against inflation.³

It tends to perform well amidst uncertainty

Historically, the shiny metal tends to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty when investors may move away from riskier investments.⁴

It can help diversify your investment portfolio

Gold can be a useful tool for portfolio diversification, as its price generally moves in the opposite direction of common investments like stocks and bonds.⁵ When these types of investments experience a downturn, gold may act as a counterbalance, with the aim of providing greater portfolio stability.

It’s highly liquid

Gold offers investors access to a relatively liquid trading market (and cash) even when other assets are declining in value. The estimated average daily turnover of gold is more than $162 billion, and even during turbulent markets it has stood the test of time: Gold trading volumes hit $237 billion in March 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.⁶

The bottom line

Gold prices can be volatile, especially over the short term, so typically investors consider the value as a long-term investment. Before investing in gold, you may want to consult a financial professional to review your overall financial goals and help determine which investments may be right for you.

FAQs on investing in gold

Is gold a good investment?

Gold can play a role in a diversified portfolio, often as a hedge against inflation or market uncertainty. However, gold prices can be volatile, and returns are not guaranteed.

How do you buy gold bars?

Gold bars can be purchased from reputable dealers, banks, or online retailers, but buyers should consider storage, insurance, and resale before investing in physical gold.

How much is gold per ounce?

Gold topped $4,800 per ounce in January 2026 but the price of gold per ounce changes daily based on market conditions, supply and demand, and economic factors. Investors should check current spot prices before buying.

Why is gold so valuable?

Gold is valued for its scarcity, durability, and long history as a store of value. It’s also widely used as a hedge during periods of inflation or economic uncertainty.