Understanding Physical Gold Understanding Physical Gold

IN THIS CHAPTER


          Gold has captivated mankind for thousands of years, both as a symbol of power and as a medium of exchange between peoples. This precious metal has effectively stood the test of time, and still occupies a central place in the history of human civilization. At once a raw material, a cultural symbol and a store of value for institutions and individuals, this golden metal has evolved through time.

In these modern times, when economic and financial crises can be particularly devastating, undermining the value of traditional assets, gold is once again a reassuring reference point. Indeed, more than ever, gold has its place in investors' wealth strategies, thanks to its status as a safe-haven asset.

          Nevertheless, recognizing and investing in gold can be a complex business. Materially, it can be difficult to distinguish genuine yellow metal from imitations. This is why you need to seek professional advice and refer to certain characteristics specific to this metal.

Beyond its attractive appearance, gold is also an excellent investment for diversifying assets and protecting against currency erosion. Here again, however, it's important to be informed and supported in order to fully understand investment in physical gold(bullion, gold bullion coins, jewelry) and paper gold (indexed financial products). These two approaches have very distinct characteristics, advantages and limitations, but can also complement each other as part of an overall strategy.

          To sum up, knowing and understanding gold and its market means first and foremost referringits history, its scientific and technical applications, and its usefulness in economic and wealth strategies. In the following pages, you'll discover its many facets: from ancient alchemy to modern finance, from jewels and royal ornaments to the printed circuits of tomorrow.