When economy turns think about Gold Bars For Sale

In a flagging economy, investing seems counterintuitive. Stocks are down. Bond rates are nearly zero. There has always been one investment that holds its value and continues to be a smart way to diversify a portfolio – gold bullion. You can invest in gold bars for sale, but also gold coins.

Gold has been recognized for centuries as one of the best ways to invest for current and long term returns. Despite being unique, gold bullion bars are liquid, easily stored and private. Gold is rare, durable and does not wear out like paper or other metals being used as currency. It is accepted and recognized worldwide and acts as a hedge against inflation. American investors get the additional benefit of having the IRS consider it a collectible rather than an investment, which is taxed at a lower rate.

Facts about Gold Bars For Sale

Bullion bars are pure or nearly pure gold in the shape of a bar. Most gold bars are .9999 (or 4 nines) or .9995 pure (generally 24 karat gold). Bars less than .9999 are mixed with another alloy. For example, 18 karat gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy. All gold is measured in troy ounces, the industry standard weight. A troy ounce is equal to 31.1035 grams.

Before purchasing any gold bars for sale, investors need to educate themselves. Buying gold is a unique experience and purchasers need to do an extensive amount of researcher before choosing a dealer. Each dealer has commissions and fees they charge. Smart investors will get all associated fees in writing prior to completing the sale. After the purchase, secured storage and insurance will need to be purchased to safeguard the investment.

Gold bars range in weight from 1 ounce to 1 kilogram. The benefit of gold bars is that they carry a lower premium (commission) than gold coins. While it might seem that buying the biggest bar available is the best investment, this is not always the case. Many investors use the internet to purchase gold, which requires shipping. Most dealers use USPS to ship purchases. A 1 kilogram bar is worth nearly $40,000, but the maximum insurance provided by USPS is $25,000. Unless an investor can afford Brink's service, this can be unnerving until the gold arrives.

Who manufactures Gold Bars for Sale

There are several refineries that manufacture gold bars for sale. The major refineries worldwide are Johnson Matthey Group, PAMP, Royal Canadian Mint, The Perth Mint and Rand Refinery. PAMP is considered by many to be the top refiner of gold bullion bars. Each bar refined by PAMP, regardless of weight, is placed in a protective case, bears the PAMP hallmark and comes with a certificate. Most refineries do not place hallmarks on their bullion bars or place them in protective cases.

Smart investors are always looking for a way to diversify and have a hedge against inflation. By looking into the types of gold bars for sale, investors can add a unique yet safe way to protect their portfolio from the instability of the markets.

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