Gold has proven to be a smart investment overall this year, with the price of the precious metal rising steadily since the start of 2024. Not only has gold’s price hit several price milestones so far this year, but it has also demonstrated significant growth in value. For example, on January 1, gold was priced at $2,063.73 per ounce. Today, that price is sitting at an impressive $2,519.38 per ounce.
That represents a gain of about $455 per ounce — or an uptick of approximately 22% — in less than a year. But gold is typically considered a long-term investment, so this type of quick, substantial growth in a relatively short period is unusual. That has led to more attention from investors and reaffirmed gold’s status as a reliable store of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty.
While physical gold tends to be the go-to for many investors seeking to capitalize on the metal’s rising value, there are other gold-related assets that warrant consideration, with gold stocks, in particular, presenting an intriguing opportunity for investors right now. These securities, which represent ownership in companies involved in gold mining, exploration or production, offer a unique way to gain exposure to the gold market — and investing in them could pay off this fall.
Ready to get started? Learn more about your gold investing options here.
Why investing in gold stocks could pay off this fall
There are a few reasons why gold stocks could be a good bet right now, including:
Ongoing economic uncertainty
This fall, global economic uncertainties continue to loom large. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and the high likelihood of interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve are helping to create an environment of financial instability, and historically, such conditions have driven investors toward safe-haven assets like gold.
Gold stocks often amplify the movements in gold prices, meaning that if gold continues its upward trajectory, gold stocks could potentially outperform physical gold in terms of returns. Additionally, the diversification that gold stocks offer within a portfolio can be particularly attractive during times of market volatility, providing a counterbalance to stabilize overall portfolio performance.
With recent market downturns and economic headwinds in other sectors, the stability of the gold sector could be essential for investors looking to weather uncertainties this fall.
Technological advancements in mining
The gold mining industry is experiencing a technological revolution, with companies investing in automation, artificial intelligence, and more efficient extraction methods. These advancements are expected to lead to increased profitability for well-positioned mining companies in the coming months and years.
Investing in gold stocks for companies at the forefront of this technological revolution could result in improved operational efficiencies, reduced costs, and higher profit margins, even if gold prices stabilize. Companies embracing sustainable mining practices may attract more investment, potentially driving up their stock prices and benefiting investors.
The potential for higher dividends
As gold prices rise and mining companies focus on operational efficiencies, many firms in the sector have improved their cash flows. This financial health has enabled some companies to increase dividend payments to shareholders, offering potential capital appreciation as gold prices rise and a steady income stream through dividends.
In a low-interest-rate environment, the yields offered by certain gold stocks may be more attractive than traditional fixed-income investments, providing a way to diversify income sources within a portfolio.
Increased merger and acquisition activity
The gold mining sector has witnessed increased merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in recent years, a trend expected to continue into the fall and beyond. This trend can create significant value for shareholders, with the potential for premium payouts for companies becoming acquisition targets and synergies for acquiring companies.
Keeping an eye on junior mining companies with promising exploration results or reserves could be beneficial, as they may attract larger firms looking to expand their asset base through acquisitions.
The bottom line
Despite the risks associated with investing in gold stocks, these securities could offer significant benefits this fall. From amplified returns in a rising gold price environment to technological advancements and M&A activity, gold stocks present a compelling case for investors seeking to capitalize on the precious metal’s current performance. It’s essential to conduct thorough research and assess risk tolerance before investing in gold stocks to ensure alignment with financial goals and portfolio needs.