Research library

Gold demand of 3,756.1 tonnes in 2013 was worth US$170.4bn. Consumers generated exceptional levels of demand, with jewellery at its highest since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008 and investment in small bars and coins hitting a record high. This was in contrast to large-scale outflows from ETFs, due to a number tactical western investors liquidating their positions as US economic sentiment improved. Central banks made healthy purchases of 368.6 tonnes, the fourth consecutive year of positive demand. The net result was a 15% decline in overall gold demand from 2012.

This fourth edition of Gold Investor includes two articles: I. Why Invest in gold? Gold’s role in long term strategies; II. Gold and currencies: the evolving relationship with the US dollar.

The role of gold and its benefits have been largely debated within the investment community. Throughout its two articles, Gold Investor highlights the benefits of investing in gold in the context of investment portfolios and details the past, current and future relationship between gold and the US dollar.

Gold should not be seen in isolation but as a strategic component in portfolios. It protects purchasing power and helps manage risk.

This third edition of Gold Investor includes three papers: I. Gold and US interest rates: a reality check; II. What drives gold? Factors that influence the asset class and its role in a portfolio; III. The role of gold in defined-contribution plans: Mexico case study.

A good understanding of the factors influencing the performance of gold is a key challenge in grasping the core benefits of this asset class: a global inflation hedge, a risk-management vehicle and a source of capital preservation.

After an eventful quarter and some rooted misconceptions, the main question revolves around gold’s future and its role in an investment portfolio. Gold Investor Volume 3 shows that the strategic case of gold is as relevant as ever.