Is Gold Still a Smart Investment in 2025?
A Look at Trends and Options for Everyday Investors
In uncertain times, some things never change — and gold is one of them. As financial markets twist and turn through inflation, war, political instability, and tech-driven volatility, gold has re-emerged in 2025 as a quiet star in the investment world. But while its glow remains constant, the ways in which people invest in gold have shifted dramatically — especially for regular, everyday investors.
So, is gold still worth its weight in 2025? And more importantly, how accessible is it for those without a private vault or luxury portfolio?
Gold is still shining bright!
Gold bars, coins and jewelry remain a popular investment
A Safe Haven in a Shaky World
There’s a good reason gold is back in the spotlight. Prices have surged in recent months, edging above $3,250 per ounce — driven largely by macroeconomic anxiety. Inflation has remained stubborn in many regions, central banks are hoarding gold at record rates, and tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East continue to destabilize markets. Add to that the growing skepticism around some corners of the crypto world, and you have a perfect recipe for a renewed gold rush.
Unlike stocks, bonds, or currencies, gold isn't tied to the performance of a company or government. It’s a physical store of value, and for many investors — particularly in emerging markets — it represents security in a fragile financial world.
New Ways to Own an Old Asset
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been how people are buying and holding gold. In the past, investing in gold might have meant purchasing coins, bars, or jewelry and finding a secure place to store them. While that's still an option, it's no longer the only one, or even the most popular.
Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), for example, have become a go-to for many investors looking for exposure without the hassle of handling physical metal. Easy to buy and sell through a stockbroker, ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares and iShares Gold Trust offer a cost-effective and liquid way to ride gold’s price movements. For South African investors, local options like the 1nvest Gold ETF on the JSE provide a familiar on-ramp.
Meanwhile, digital gold platforms are allowing users to buy fractional gold — even just a few dollars' worth — stored in professionally managed vaults. Services like Vaulted, Kinesis, and even fintech apps like Revolut have made gold more accessible to millennials and Gen Z investors than ever before. In these platforms, a gold purchase feels more like topping up a mobile wallet than a trip to the bank.
Still, for those who love the feel of something solid, physical gold remains popular. Coins, bars, and even gold jewelry continue to serve not just as investments, but as heirlooms and backup savings. In countries with less trust in financial systems, physical gold is often viewed as the most secure form of wealth, and with good reason.
Gold with a Digital Twist
In a fascinating convergence of tradition and technology, gold-backed cryptocurrencies have emerged as another new frontier. These tokens, like Tether Gold (XAUT) or PAX Gold (PAXG), claim to be fully backed by real gold held in vaults, combining the transparency of blockchain with the reliability of a physical asset. While still relatively niche, they’re gaining traction with crypto-savvy investors looking to de-risk their portfolios.
It’s a space still maturing, and not without risks, particularly around regulation and platform stability, but it’s one more example of how gold continues to evolve while holding onto its core appeal.
Is Gold Right for You?
Despite its ancient roots, gold remains relevant today, perhaps more so than ever. But is it the right investment for you?
The answer depends on your goals. If you’re looking for high growth, gold won’t outpace tech stocks or real estate. It doesn’t pay dividends or earn interest. But what it does offer is stability, especially in times of volatility. For many investors, gold serves as a hedge, a way to balance riskier parts of their portfolio.
Financial advisors often recommend allocating 5% to 10% of your investment portfolio to gold or other precious metals. That doesn’t mean you have to buy Krugerrands or hoard bars — but it does suggest that gold still plays a valuable role in long-term financial planning.
Final Word: Gold Is Evolving, but Its Purpose Remains
Whether you’re an old-school investor drawn to tangible assets or a digital native exploring blockchain-based solutions, gold offers a rare combination of tradition and adaptability. In 2025, it’s more than a luxury, it’s a tool. And thanks to modern platforms and products, it’s a tool that’s more available to everyday people than ever before.
Gold may not make you rich overnight, but in a world full of financial noise, its quiet shine continues to offer something rare: peace of mind.
