The price of gold rose 1.4% to $2,941 per troy ounce in trading Tuesday, putting it 0.2% off its record high notched last week, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
“After missing several (brief/ shallow) buying opportunities in 2024, investors are likely wary of repeating the same patterns and may want to take advantage of corrections sooner this time around,” analysts wrote.
Sales by the United States Mint of the Proof 2025-W American Eagle silver dollar, priced at $95 each, are scheduled to begin at noon Eastern Time Jan. 9.
Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD) +3.2% in Wednesday’s trading to its highest in more than two months following a Reuters report that the miner has signed a new agreement with Mali’s government, which would end the dispute over the company’s mining assets in the country.
As part of the new deal, Barrick (GOLD) reportedly will pay 275B CFA francs, or $438M, to the government in return for the release of detained employees and seized gold, allowing for the restart of operations at the Loulo-Gounkoto mine.
“We could envision a situation where inflation migrates higher, while the economy slows down as the auto sector grinds to a sudden halt, for example,” said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities. “Higher inflation and low rates, and the associated angst with the president’s imposition of tariffs, so uncertainty and risk are helping gold.”
“These tariffs create a strong tailwind for gold,” Bank of Montreal analysts wrote in a note. “Not only because of their inherent inflationary effects but also as the USA’s increasingly hawkish foreign policy may accelerate de-dollarisation plans.”
The yellow metal could zoom all the way to $4,000 if investors continue to lose their appetite for risk, which would mean ditching assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies, and redirecting that money into gold and Treasury bonds, according to a note Friday from Bloomberg Intelligence Strategist Mick McGlone.
“The key competitors for gold, at least for the past few years, have been the strong rise in U.S. stocks, the rise in U.S. bond yields, and the rise in digital gold—that is Bitcoin,”
Did you know that during the 2008 financial crisis, while the S&P 500 dropped by 38.5%, gold prices increased by 5.5%? This stark contrast highlights why more people are turning to precious metals IRAs to diversify their retirement portfolios. There’s never been a more critical time to consider this powerful retirement strategy.
Let me share something that might surprise you: many people don’t realize that they can hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement accounts! Whether you’re worried about inflation, market volatility, or simply want to diversify your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA could be your answer.
Holding precious metals is what I’m doing to put into an IRA for my future. There are more and more people, of all ages, that are thinking or doing this or are already doing this. It’s never to late and again in these uncertain times so it’s wise to start thinking ahead.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about securing your retirement with this unique investment vehicle.
What Is a Precious Metals IRA?
A precious metals IRA, also known as a gold IRA, is a specialized individual retirement account that allows you to hold physical precious metals as part of your retirement portfolio. I remember when I first learned about these accounts – I was honestly skeptical! But after seeing how they’ve helped protect peoples wealth during market downturns, I became a true believer.
Operates similarly to traditional IRAs but holds physical precious metals
Offers the same tax advantages as conventional IRAs
Requires a specialized custodian who handles storage and compliance
Follows specific IRS regulations regarding metal purity and storage
Can be established as traditional or Roth IRA
Eligible Precious Metals for Your IRA
Let me tell you about a mistake I realized when I started doing research about gold IRAs. I was looking to purchase some beautiful collectible gold coins for a future IRA, not realizing till later, that it wouldn’t qualify! The IRS has strict requirements about which metals can be included in your precious metals IRA.
Gold must be 99.5% pure (except American Gold Eagles)
Silver must be 99.9% pure
Platinum must be 99.95% pure
Palladium must be 99.95% pure
Approved coins and bullion include:
American Eagle coins (gold, silver, platinum)
Canadian Maple Leaf coins
Austrian Philharmonic coins
Australian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
Several types of bars and rounds meeting purity requirements
Setting Up Your Precious Metals IRA
The setup process is actually simpler than most people think! As I am learning it seems overwhelming but it’s actually quite straightforward when broken down.
Choose a Custodian
Research reputation and track record
Compare fees and services
Check customer reviews and ratings
Verify IRS approval status
Fund Your Account
Roll over existing retirement accounts
Make new contributions
Transfer from another IRA
Consider contribution limits
Select Your Metals
Work with approved dealers
Choose eligible products
Consider diversification strategy
Review premium over spot prices
Storage Requirements and Options
Here’s something that will surprise many of us – you can’t keep your IRA-held precious metals in your home safe! The IRS requires specific storage arrangements, and getting this wrong can result in painful tax consequences.
Must use IRS-approved depositories
Segregated or non-segregated storage options
Regular auditing and insurance requirements
Geographic location considerations
Security and access protocols
Tax Benefits and Considerations
One aspect I have grown to like about precious metals IRAs is their tax advantages. Just like traditional IRAs, they offer powerful tax benefits that can help accelerate your wealth building.
Tax-deferred growth potential
Possible tax deductions for contributions
Roth IRA options available
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules
Early withdrawal penalties and exceptions
Costs and Fees to Consider
Let’s talk money – because understanding the full cost structure is crucial for making an informed decision. I encourage everyone to look beyond just the obvious fees. *these may or may not be subject to change*
Setup fees ($50-$300)
Annual custodian fees ($75-$300)
Storage fees (0.5-1% of assets annually)
Transaction fees for buying/selling
Insurance costs
Dealer premiums over spot prices
Investment Strategies and Portfolio Allocation
Through research, I’ve learned that successful precious metals IRA investing isn’t just about buying gold – it’s about strategic allocation and understanding your goals.
Recommended allocation percentages (typically 5-15% of portfolio)
Rebalancing strategies
Market timing considerations
Long-term vs. short-term planning
Risk management techniques
Conclusion
Securing your retirement with a precious metals IRA can be a smart move in today’s uncertain economic environment. Whether you’re looking to protect against inflation, diversify your portfolio, or simply add a tangible asset to your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA offers unique advantages worth considering.
Remember, the key to success is working with reputable custodians, understanding the rules and requirements, and maintaining a balanced approach to your overall retirement strategy.
Consider speaking with a financial advisor to determine if a precious metals IRA aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. It never hurts to ask questions it will only benefit you.
Ready to take the next step? Start by researching IRS-approved custodians and comparing their services and fees.
Your future self might thank you for taking this important step toward securing your retirement!
Taking to his official X account, Kiyosaki called silver “the biggest investment bargain today.”
Kiyosaki wrote, “GOOD NEWS for people with not much money. I am buying more silver eagles today.”
“The good news is silver is the biggest investment bargain today.” He added, “Gold has already hit all-time highs. I have plenty of Bitcoin. And silver is still 50% below its all-time high… today about $35.”
“If a poor person bought a few ounces of gold or silver, or 1/2 of a Bitcoin…. I predict they may become the new rich….once this Depression is over.”