Tag Archives: gold as a safe haven asset

It would seem that there is a considerable lack of understanding about what the term "safe haven" actually means when it comes to gold. Let me explain just what it means - and does not mean. Words: 740

I believe that the market is no longer fearful and that gold has had its moment. After a multi-year rout gold began to pick up pace in 2016 when uncertainty seemed to be omnipresent but my view has stayed consistently positive as I have not identified any material weakness in the economy. Let me explain why that is the case.

1. Is gold a safe-haven or a hedge, and what is the difference between them? 2. What is gold supposed to be a safe-haven or a hedge in relation to? 3. Does gold protect investors from a stock market crash, bond market volatility, inflation, or a systemic crisis? 4. Do the safe-haven properties of gold depend on the country and the time horizon?

If you had invested in gold in 2004 you would have earned about 10.4%, annualized. I am writing this article, though, to say that you should not consider gold to be a good long-term investment and you should not have a significant proportion of your portfolio in gold. Let me explain.