Mitigating the potential risks that come with the turbulent economy is the concern of every investor today. The traditional asset classes of marketable securities, cash, real estate, and tangible assets are no longer enough to mitigate the economic risks. Unknown to many investors, though, there is a key asset class that is less influenced by the economic turbulence. The precious metals are not much affect by inflation, deflation, political risks, and other economic risks. Since gold ranks top in this asset class, many investors have been seeking answers on how and where to buy gold.
Buying, selling or even storing gold is not difficult. It is recognized and accepted in all countries in the world, with a generally stable price. The bullion is an onshore asset and is kept off the balance sheet, which is another advantage. There are two major ways of investing in this asset; the bullion bars or coins. By investing in bullion, you will get the asset at a lower cost for every troy ounce.
Typically, the bullion bars are available in standard sizes of 1, 10, and 15 troy ounces categories. However, the 100 and 400 ounce bars are also available. There are a few dealers who also sell the bars that are less than one troy once to their clients to ensure that no investors are locked out.
The purity of the precious metal you invest in is very important. Ingots are very pure with an industry rating of a minimum fineness of . 995 fines. This ensures that you invest in the highest purity, clarity, and quality.
The bar prices for bullion are usually inclusive of a small premium of the spot price. This is there to cover the cost of processing the bar. However, the larger the bar sizes the lower the premium price when measured in percentage terms. The most important factor is the background of the dealer you do business with. The dealer must be legitimate and only offer the bars that are fully refined by recognized manufacturers. This is the best way to be protected from counterfeits.
In addition to this, as an investor, be ready to pay an assay fee that is done every time when buying or selling bullion with the help of a dealer. It guarantees purity and authenticity the bullion you are dealing with. The assay checks should be done as a way of determining the legitimacy and safety of both parties.
In addition to bullion bars and investor can also choose the gold bullion coins. These are normally issued by the government mints of different countries as legal tenders at specific face values. They are easier to trade on as buying, selling, dividing, or even holding are all easy. Their purity, content, and face value is guaranteed. They are normally available in the sizes of one, half, quarter or a tenth of an ounce.
There are numerous merchants and collectors gatherers who are prepared to offer bullion coins and bars. All that is needed is a legitimate historical verification of your dealer. The metals must have the most elevated amount of fineness and your investment is only secure with the right dealer and guaranteed bullion.
Read more about The Basics Of How And Where To Buy Gold.