Should you invest in gold during a recession?

Asked by: Natasha Botsford  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)

Gold can be a good way to recession-proof your portfolio, but exactly how much should you buy — and in what way? While "everyone's appetite for risk is different," Elkins says. "We typically like allocating initially somewhere b/w 5% to 20% toward gold or other precious metals if expecting or in a recession."

Is gold a good investment in a recession?

Purchase Precious Metal Investments

Precious metals, like gold and silver, tend to perform well during market slowdowns. But since the demand for these kinds of commodities often increases during recessions, their prices usually go up, too. You can invest in precious metals in a few different ways.

Where is money safest during a recession?

Smart Stash: Four Recession-Proof Places to Keep Funds
  • Saving Accounts. There's a good chance you already have a savings account. ...
  • Money Market Accounts. A money market account is great for larger sums, offering significantly higher interest rates. ...
  • Share Certificates. ...
  • Stock Market.

Is it wise to buy gold now?

The bottom line. A balanced approach is key when adding gold to your portfolio before 2025. While some may want to dive in heavily given current market conditions, Charnet recommends limiting gold to no more than 10% of your investment portfolio — even in good times for the precious metal.

What happens to gold if the stock market crashes?

The more common pattern in a stock-market crash is for gold to drop as equities sink. But it falls less and from higher ground before finding its floor sooner.

Can Gold Really Protect You During An Economic Collapse?

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Will gold be worth more in 10 years?

Gold is generally not prone to big price swings or high volatility, but it typically keeps growing alongside its utility. This means that forecasting future prices of gold for the next ten years is expected to indicate an increase in value, potentially resulting in profits for those making these predictions.

What happened to gold in the 2008 crash?

As the financial heat became unbearable, investors, businesses, banks, and even the public piled into bullion. For the five-year period that encompassed the financial crisis, gold very nearly doubled in value, rallying from just above $825 to north of $1650 per ounce.

What will gold be worth in 5 years?

With all this in mind, we could expect the price of gold to be higher in 2022, based on the following predictions: With inflation raging and the US debt piling up, gold could move from its current price to as high as $3,000 (approximately £2,500) per ounce throughout the next five years.

Are 1 oz gold bars a good investment?

Investing in 1-ounce gold bars can help you hedge against economic instability and inflation, which could be advantageous in today's financial environment. Adding a small slice of gold to your portfolio may also provide diversity and stability to your holdings.

Should you buy gold in 2024?

Gold became an increasingly popular investment in 2024 as its price climbed upward while repeatedly hitting record highs. As a result, many new investors began buying gold bars and coins, hoping to turn a quick profit even though gold is normally a long-term investment used as a hedge against inflation.

What not to do in a recession?

Avoid becoming a co-signer on a loan, taking out an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), or taking on new debt. Don't quit your job if you aren't prepared for a long search for a new one. If you own your own business, consider postponing spending on capital improvements and taking on new debt until the recovery has begun.

Should I take my money out of the bank in 2024?

Inflation Is Eating Away at Your Funds

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average rate of inflation from April 2023 to April 2024 was 3.4%. If you've been keeping your money in a savings account with a lower yield than the rate of inflation, you should switch over to a higher-yield account.

What is the best asset during a recession?

In a recession, it's smart to preserve your capital by investing in safer assets, such as bonds, particularly government bonds, which can perform well during economic downturns.

Will gold ever lose its value?

While the benefits of investing in gold include its use as a store of value and its status as a safe haven asset when there is volatility in the stock market, it's not right for everyone. Keep in mind that the price of gold does fluctuate, meaning it can quickly lose value and is a poor short-term investment.

What gets cheaper during a recession?

“The demand for travel and hospitality services typically declines as consumers cut back on discretionary spending,” Sarib Rehman, CEO of Flipcost, said. “To attract customers, airlines, hotels and travel agencies often lower their prices and offer more promotions.”

When should we buy gold?

Which month is best to buy gold? If you're eyeing the calendar, January, August, September, and December have historically been good months for buying gold. Prices tend to go up during these times, so you might catch a good deal.

Is it better to buy gold bars or coins?

Gold is considered a reliable investment in all cases. Gold bars are particularly so, since their value can be accurately determined by the live spot price. Gold coins will command slightly higher premiums over the spot price than gold bars, due to the extra minting costs, and the commemorative nature of their value.

How many ounces of gold should I own?

Most experts recommend limiting your gold investment to 10% or less of your overall portfolio. The range between 1% and 10%, however, will often vary based on your age and overall investor profile.

Why are central banks buying gold?

Hedge against inflation

Central banks use this relationship to protect their massive currency reserves. Generally, gold buying increases when central banks expect inflation to rise. They hold these reserves long-term, using them to protect national wealth through various economic cycles.

Will gold ever reach $5000?

Over time, gold tends to gain value as the United States dollar loses buying power. Given enough time, gold prices will likely reach $5000 per ounce, as long as it remains a go-to safe haven asset for investors who want to shield their assets against inflation, uncertainty, and instability.

Does gold go up in a recession?

Due to its reputation for being a safe-haven asset, gold tends to perform well during a recession. For example, when the stock market collapsed in 2007, investment demand for gold spiked and continued to rise, and gold doubled in value between 2007 and 2011.

Will gold rise in 2024?

Gold prices are expected to rise, driven by its safe-haven status amid global economic challenges. Analysts predict it could hit ₹70,000 per 10 grams in 2024, fueled by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and economic slowdown concerns.