Gold is a valuable resource used for millennia as jewellery and a form of currency. As we enter 2024, gold continues to gleam as a beacon of stability and wealth preservation for investors navigating the ever-changing financial landscape. The following guide is designed to demystify gold investment in Canada, offering insights and strategies tailored for seasoned investors and those new to the allure of this timeless asset. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, hedge against inflation, or explore the rich potential of gold investments, our comprehensive overview will provide you with the essential knowledge to confidently embark on your gold investment journey in 2024.

Why is it Desirable to Invest in Gold?

Although gold is regarded as a reliable investment, it is also a risky and extremely volatile asset. This is because gold investments do not generate income. Something that properties and equities do. Instead of revenues or profits, price prediction determines the asset’s potential value. Despite the speculations of inflation, gold is always regarded as a secure investment and serves as an extra security blanket in turbulent markets.

Investing in gold in 2024 presents a unique blend of reliability and potential amidst market uncertainties. Market perceptions and price dynamics largely drive gold’s value, making it more speculative. Yet, in times of inflation or geopolitical unrest, as seen in the dramatic price surges of late 2023, gold’s role as a “safe haven” asset becomes invaluable. Its ability to act as a financial safeguard during tumultuous periods adds a layer of security to investment portfolios, making it a desirable choice for those looking to mitigate risk in volatile markets.

Best Ways to Invest in Gold in Canada

For Canadians interested in adding a golden glow to their investment portfolios, several avenues are available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Whether you’re drawn to the tangible allure of physical gold or the convenience of financial instruments that track gold prices, understanding the diverse options can help you tailor your gold investment strategy to meet your financial goals and risk tolerance. From purchasing gold bullion and coins to exploring gold ETFs, mining stocks, and digital gold platforms, you can acquire actual gold in many ways.

Here are some highly effective ways to invest in gold in Canada

  • Spend Wisely on Buying Gold Stocks

It is not surprising that a significant chunk of the Canadian stock market consists of gold mining businesses, given Canada’s abundance of minerals. Since these businesses rely on the movement of the gold price in Canada, it makes sense that the stock prices of these businesses are prone to move along with that price. Additionally, mining businesses frequently distribute dividends to their investors. Some of the top players are Newmont Corp., Barrick Gold Corp., Franco Nevada Corp., etc.

  • Buy Gold Exchange Traded Funds ETFs with Minimum Risks

An effective way to obtain wide access to Canada’s gold investment market without taking on the risk of investing in particular businesses is through gold ETFs. Many gold ETFs monitor gold futures, some monitor actual gold housed in vaults, and some investors put money straight into the firms that produce the valuable metal. A group of ETFs benefit from the increase in the price of gold while making investments in businesses that may also earn a profit and distribute dividends.

  • Purchase Gold Bullions

Newcomer investors may not be aware that one approach to gold investment is still to purchase genuine gold bullion. One of the purest forms of gold to invest in includes actual bars of metal. You can purchase gold in a variety of formats, such as gold coins, medallions, or gold bars, which are typically available in 100-gram bars. You can buy actual gold straight from a significant financial institution that has a section for valuable metals.

  • Opt for Direct Buying of Gold Coins

Opting to purchase gold coins directly is a tangible way to invest in gold, allowing investors to hold their wealth physically. When buying gold coins, it’s important to note that dealers typically add a markup to the spot price—the current market value—to cover their costs and secure a profit. For instance, if gold’s spot price is $1,200 per ounce, a 1-ounce gold coin might cost you around $1,250 or more. The premiums can also vary based on the type of gold you’re buying, with gold coins often carrying a higher premium than gold bars. However, investors should consider the implications of physical storage. Keeping gold at home introduces risks such as theft or loss, and securing insurance for your gold can lead to additional expenses.

  • Purchase Physical Gold

Buying gold bullion, which can be either conventional gold bars or gold coins, is one of the easiest ways to invest in gold. Gold bars are available in a range of quantities and dimensions, from one gram to 400 ounces. Investors in Canada can purchase gold bars online through CIBC Precious Metals or in person at CIBC stores.

Procedure For Buying Physical Gold in Canada

In Canada, investing in physical gold involves acquiring and storing tangible assets like gold bars or coins. This offers a secure but less liquid option compared to “paper gold” investments such as mining stocks and ETFs. While physical gold provides a reliable safety net against economic fluctuations, its liquidity can be challenging, requiring time to find a buyer when selling. 

On the flip side, although potentially volatile, paper gold investments like mining stocks can offer significant long-term returns as their value is linked to gold prices. ETFs offer liquidity and ease of trade on the stock market but lack the tangible security of physical gold. For those leaning towards physical gold, purchasing through a precious metal dealer is straightforward, though costs may include markups and insurance for home storage. Alternatively, investing in gold through an RRSP or TFSA in Canada presents a tax-advantaged way to include physical gold in your retirement or savings plans, providing a blend of stability and tax efficiency.

Procedure For Buying Gold Stocks and Gold ETFs in Canada

You may easily purchase gold ETFs using the same trading account to purchase other investments on a stock market like the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). It is as easy as looking up the ETF’s stock index code and placing an order. Just create a brokerage account with your bank or another financial institution of your choice if you still need to create one. You will be allowed to independently make gold investments in stocks, funds or ETFs.

An Overview of Gold Prices History

Canada holds a significant place in the global gold market, being the fifth-largest producer with a production value surpassing $12 billion in 2020, predominantly from Ontario and Quebec. The role of gold in Canada has seen a pivotal shift over the years. Traditionally cherished for jewellery, the tide has turned, making gold investment the primary demand driver. By 2020, nearly 47% of gold’s use was for investment purposes, a figure that edged closer to half of all demand by mid-2022.

The pricing history of gold traces back to the 1970s, a transformative era when the gold standard was abandoned, allowing market forces to dictate its value. This led to a dramatic surge in gold prices, peaking at over $850 per ounce in 1980. After a period of decline where prices seldom crossed the $400 mark, a resurgence began in 2005, culminating in a record high of $1,889.70 per ounce in 2011. In the context of the financial markets, while the S&P 500 saw a gain of 16.26% in 2020, gold outshone with a 23.61% increase, underscoring its appeal as a resilient investment asset amidst market fluctuations.

Advisable Time to Make Gold Investment in Canada

If investors feel that gold is a valuable possession for stocks and that it also offers a form of insurance against rising prices and currency deficits, they should allocate a number of their investments to it. For any versatile investor, including gold in your investments during volatile times might be beneficial. The prospect of a future recession can carry on to put stress on important equity indices in 2024. A recession will also reduce pricing and slow rate expansions, which should both raise the price of gold this year.

Are Gold Investments Worth the Effort?

The unprecedented currency printing by central banks across the world has caused volatility in established markets. As investors begin to explore other options, gold is regarded as an asset of security that is independent of all economies.

Investors are searching for assets that are less susceptible to cybercrime and hacking as a result of novel approaches to keeping and transmitting value. Gold has been used as currency for many years because it is a tangible asset that cannot be violated. Hence, gold investment involves less risk and better safeguards your wealth.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Investing in Gold

Gold is a tangible material with intrinsic worth that provides long-term security in times of inflation. However, gold investment involves its own set of pros and cons.

Following are a few advantages and disadvantages of gold investment in Canada.

  • Advantages of Gold Investment in Canada

    • Provides Long-Term Security: It is a long-term investment that you can keep onto rather than a quick one. For those seeking assurance and security in their financial future, this makes it a suitable choice.
    • Provides Stability on a Global Level: In contrast to several other forms of investment, Gold is independent of any one nation or economy. It is regarded as a global currency and is exchanged everywhere. As a result, investors from various regions can access it more easily and with fewer uncertainties. 
    • Reliable during Economic Collapse: Gold is tangible and still pertains value when the stock market crashes during unforeseen situations.
  • Disadvantages of Gold Investment in Canada

    • It Does Not Provide Income: Stocks, as well as bonds, are examples of assets that produce interest or dividend payouts that can be reinvested, unlike gold.
    • It is Difficult to Trade: It may take time and effort to find buyers in the case of physical gold bullion trading.
    • No Short-Term Gains: If you are looking for quick gains, a gold investment may not be for you as it requires time.

Summing Up

The worldwide market for gold is rising. In comparison to prior years, institutional buyers like central banks are driving it more frequently. Due to a volatile economy, more Canadians than ever are considering gold investment and other valuable metals to broaden and safeguard their financial holdings in 2024. However, before you start investing, it is vital to thoroughly understand how to buy gold in Canada and learn more about the market situation.

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Is investing in gold good in Canada?

Yes, gold investment is a good idea in Canada to diversify your portfolio and save your finances in volatile situations of inflation.

What is the best way to invest in gold in Canada?

Some of the best ways to Canada gold investment are by buying gold stocks, gold ETFs, and physical gold.

Do you pay tax on gold in Canada?

Gold metal bullion in Canada is exempted from GST or HST.

Is gold a good 10-year investment?

Yes, whenever the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar falls due to price inflation and 10-year Treasury real yields fall, gold benefits. This makes it a lucrative investment.

How to invest in gold for beginners?

Exchange Trade Funds ETFs are a popular gold investment way for beginners.

How much gold should I invest in?

You can invest up to 5 to 10% of your portfolio in gold.

How much gold can you legally own in Canada?

In Canada, there is no restriction on the quantity of gold that an individual may own.