The US Can't Freeze Your Gold

another reason central banks are flocking to gold
 
   
     

When you think of gold as a safe-haven asset, you might picture a "doomsday prepper" hoarding gold in an underground bunker waiting for societal collapse.

But after countries around the world saw how easily the US froze Russian assets in the wake of their attack on Ukraine, they're doing virtually the same thing.

The run on gold is at least partially driven by a desire to store value in an asset that can't be frozen by the US—or any country.

Central banks around the world have been significantly increasing their gold reserves. One major factor driving this trend is the geopolitical landscape.

Recent actions by the U.S., such as freezing Russia's assets, have sent a clear message to other nations. While the U.S. can freeze assets held in U.S. Treasuries or cash, no one can control gold.

If a country has physical gold in its possession, it's beyond the reach of any international sanctions or freezes. This independence makes gold an appealing option for countries looking to safeguard their wealth against geopolitical risks.


The Younger Generation's Shift

Interestingly, this trend isn't limited to nations. Younger generations are also showing a growing distrust of traditional financial assets.

The financial crises of the past few decades and the volatility of the stock market have left many wary of traditional investments. Instead, they're turning towards gold and other alternative assets, seeing them as more reliable stores of value.

A 2023 survey highlighted this shift in sentiment. Among Americans, trust in gold as a long-term investment has now surpassed trust in stocks. This change marks a significant move towards valuing tangible, enduring assets over potentially volatile financial instruments.


Historical Context: Gold in Times of Turmoil

Historically, gold has been the asset of choice during times of turmoil.

For example, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, many turned to gold to preserve their wealth as banks failed and the stock market crashed.

Similarly, during periods of hyperinflation, such as in Weimar Germany in the 1920s, gold provided a stable store of value when paper money became worthless.

More recently, the 2008 financial crisis saw a significant surge in gold prices as investors sought a safe haven amidst the collapse of major financial institutions.

The uncertainty surrounding global financial systems made gold an attractive option for those looking to protect their assets from market volatility.


What This Means for Investors

For individual investors, the continued accumulation of gold by central banks and the shift in sentiment among younger generations are clear indicators that gold is back in fashion.

Here’s what this trend could mean for you:

 
1. Long-Term Value: Gold's role as a safe-haven asset is reaffirmed by its continued importance to central banks and increasing trust among the public. This long-term perspective can guide personal investment strategies, emphasizing gold’s potential for wealth preservation.

2. Market Dynamics: As central banks and individual investors accumulate gold, the increased demand can drive prices higher. Savvy investors can capitalize on these price movements.

3. Strategic Planning: Understanding the reasons behind the run on gold can provide insights into broader economic trends. Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties often make gold an attractive investment.

As chaos erupts around the world, it's clear that gold’s importance is set to continue increasing.

And while long term buy-and-hold investing is one route you can take as an investor, I also set out to create a strategy that allows regular home-based investors to capitalize on micro-movements in the price of gold.

Since launching in March, we’ve had a string of stellar trades. Click here if you want to hear more about it.

— Geof Smith

 
   
 

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