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Historical Data for Investing in Gold

Gold has seen its highs and lows, but it remains a solid investment and will well into the future. If you hold gold for thirty years or more, you will still find it retains value, even if prices drop lower than you paid.

Gold has a long history of rising when economic events happen. Gold inverses the dollar and stock market, making it a safe haven investment people cling to during uncertain times.

If you explore the investing gold historical data, you will quickly see why gold remains a trusted investment option for those wishing to diversify their portfolios. Planning on investing in gold? Read its rich history, and then you will be prepared to invest wisely.

Key Takeaways

  • Gold is a safe haven for investors because it inverses the United States dollar and stock market.
  • The Gold Standard’s implementation and removal marked changes in how people flocked to gold.
  • Gold has been a strong performer in almost every economic recession since 1973.
  • Investors should concern themselves with the history of gold to determine its future.
  • Gold is a valuable commodity because of its rarity, beauty, and demand.

Gold Has Outperformed Almost Every Economic Recession

Since 1973, gold has outperformed almost every recession. The only exceptions were in 1981, a unique circumstance where the FED aggressively raised the interest rates to combat inflation, and in 1990.

Gold has performed well against all other recessions. On average, gold has rallied up to 28% before and after each recession.

The great financial crisis of 2008 is a prime example of gold’s shining performance during a recession. During this period, gold prices rallied nearly 50%, making it an excellent investment.

From the Great Depression Until Now

Gold was valued at $20.63 in 1929, at the start of the Great Depression. Prices rose to $34.69 once the federal government changed the fixed rate. Although private investors could not hold gold during the Great Depression, they could invest in miners.

The 1970s saw rapid changes taking place in the market. President Nixon removed the United States from the Gold Standard in 1971, and President Ford signed an act of Congress that allowed private citizens to hold physical gold in 1974. His signature began significant changes that would eventually bring the gold industry where it is today.

In 1980, gold rose to its highest point at $850 an ounce. By 2000, gold had fallen to $280 an ounce, that is, until America’s next big crisis came in the form of 9/11.

It was this catastrophic event that marked an unforgettable change in international tensions. Between 2000 and 2020, the price of gold rose dramatically. You can see the changes in the chart below.

2001 – $271.04

2002 – $309.73

2003 – $363.38

2004 – $409.72

2005 – $444.74

2006 – $603.46

2007 – $695.39

2008 – $871.96

2009 – $972.35

2010 – $1,224.53

2011 – $1,571.52

2012 – $1,688.98

2013 – $1,411.23

2014 – $1,266.40

2015 – $1,160.60

2016 – $1,250.74

2017 – $1,260.39

2018 – $1,268.93

2019 – $1,393.34

2020 – $1,773.73

Yes, there have been years when gold prices fell, particularly from 2013 to 2016. During the pandemic of 2020, gold prices rose astronomically to $1,773.73, proving gold remains a safe haven during economic woes throughout history.

The Gold Standard and Its Removal

The Gold Standard is a monetary system that attaches gold to the dollar or other currency. The United States was under a true Gold Standard from 1879 to 1933.

The United States stopped using the traditional Gold Standard in 1933, though it remained a part of the financial system until Nixon removed it in 1971.

Many people feel we should be back on the Gold Standard because it protects against the evils of inflation. When inflation exceeds 5%, people panic and consider the Gold Standard again.

Today, there are no countries on the Gold Standard, and it is unlikely the United States will ever go back to it. Although gold is no longer used as a monetary standard, its price is determined by demand.

The demand for gold typically rises during economic or political unrest and lowers when the dollar is valued high, and the stock market is faring well. Investors generally flock to gold investments when distrust in the government runs high.

Why Should Investors Concern Themselves Over Historical Gold Prices?

You may be asking why investing gold historical data is so important. The past is the past, so why should you concern yourself with the data?

If you do not know gold’s history, how can you possibly understand its future? We need only look at past spot price charts to understand how gold responds to changing economic times.

When people begin to feel fear, such as during the Great Depression, 9/11, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 pandemic, they buy gold in record numbers, pushing the prices higher and higher.

When the interest rates and inflation are low, investors feel more comfortable with the stock market and look for opportunities that offer passive income, something gold investments cannot provide.

Learning about the history of gold can help you predict the future and plan your investments accordingly. You will almost always see gold prices rise during poor economic performances.

What Impacts Gold Prices and Why Do They Fluctuate?

Many factors impact gold prices:

  • Demand
  • Supply
  • Economic circumstances
  • Geopolitical circumstances
  • Inflation
  • Currency movements

Each of the above can cause gold price fluctuations. The London Bullion Market Association sets the gold price twice a day. The Association fixes the price at 10:30 and 3:00 pm London time. Although this does not determine the official worldwide price, it does influence it.

What Makes Gold Such a Valuable Commodity?

Gold has always been valuable and will always be valuable. Gold is considered a valuable commodity for many reasons, including the following.

  1. Gold has always been perceived as a symbol of wealth and power.
  2. Gold has been used for thousands of years as a means of exchange.
  3. Gold is an excellent store of value.
  4. Gold is a precious metal that is difficult to extract and rare.
  5. Gold is malleable and in demand by many industries.
  6. Gold is very durable and does not corrode.
  7. Gold is visually beautiful.

Gold is so rare that only about 244,000 metric tons have been discovered. The United States Federal Reserve owns the most gold in the world. The country’s gold reserves top 8,000 metric tons.

Gold is highly in demand by investors but is also used in many industries, including jewelry manufacturing, electronics, automotive, aerospace, and defense. Gold is also used as a catalyst in many industries. Gold is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it a prized material in electronics.

What Are the Benefits of Investing in Gold?

Gold investments bring welcome diversity to any investment portfolio. Aside from diversification, gold offers the following benefits.

  • Hedges against inflation
  • Is highly liquid
  • Is a safe haven asset
  • Retains or increases its price during economic recessions
  • It is an excellent store of wealth

Many people invest in gold to preserve their wealth to pass on to future generations. People sometimes feel unsafe putting all their money into savings accounts, even when FDIC-insured. Gold feels safer during economic and geopolitical instability.

Gold investments are risky if you plan on a short-term investment strategy because gold prices are sometimes volatile. Gold is best as a long-term investment because it is more likely to experience appreciation.

Gold investments require patience on the part of investors. To experience the most advantages, you may want to consider a gold IRA. Gold IRAs allow you to invest in gold with tax breaks, depending on the type of IRA.

The only drawback to gold IRA investing is that you cannot hold your gold at home. You must secure it in an IRS-approved depository for safekeeping until you are over the age of 59 ½ and can withdraw without penalty.

How to Choose a Reputable Dealer for Gold Purchases

Now that you know more about gold’s history, it becomes an even more attractive investment option. Once you decide to invest in gold, you must find a reputable dealer to help you with your investments.

There are many gold dealers available, but not all of them are worth your time. Some are scammers, and others offer no guidance and are pushy in their sales approaches.

We have spent a lot of time gathering information on the gold company offerings, and these are the top five.

  1. American Hartford Gold
  2. Goldco
  3. Augusta Precious Metals
  4. Birch Gold Group
  5. Noble Gold

Getting help from the above companies makes investing in gold less stressful. They offer a wide selection of gold products and educational materials to guide customers in making the correct investment decisions.

These companies have excellent ratings with the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Business Alliance. You will also find highly favorable customer reviews with very few complaints.

Historical Data Proves Gold Remains a Solid Investment

You have seen the data and better understand why gold is a safe haven for investors. When the economy or political scenes are unsteady, people flock to the safety and familiarity of gold holdings.

The last 20 years have seen gold prices rising, with only a few years of dips. Gold prices hit an all-time high in 2020, during the worldwide pandemic, and have risen even higher since.

Has gold proven its worth to you? You do not have to start with a large investment, but you must start somewhere. Consider working with a financial advisor and one of the great gold companies above to invest in gold wisely.