Why Buy Gold in 2017?

Around the world economies are being shaken by a profusion of financial, political and geopolitical crises and conflicts.

From the war in Syria and the fight against terrorism to the rise of Donald Trump and Brexit – uncertainty has a negative impact on the price of commonly held assets, like shares. People are reluctant to invest in intangible assets they cannot see and touch.

Physical gold has always been a safe haven asset that tends to increase in value, as more and more people insure their wealth against financial risk.

Saving accounts are currently offering under 1% interest and many of them are in a precarious situation, with regard to capital adequacy rules (the amount of capital a bank or financial institution is required to hold).

With Deutche Bank downgraded in 2016 and now other various banks being added to UK government watch lists, people are receiving little interest in exchange for escalating risk.

With inflation set to hit 4/5% in coming months and with interest rates paying as little as 1%, your money is starting to lose its purchasing power. Whereas in recent months, investments in physical gold and silver have been steadily picking up, as central banks and individuals buy the precious metals at dipped prices.

With household and national debt at an all-time high and with inflation set to increase to 4/5% later this year, there is a fear that the government will increase interest rates, making many people's mortgage repayments too expensive.

This may result in people having to sell their properties. An oversupply of property creates a considerable fall in its value. The Bank Of England’s current stress test predicts a 33% in the value of UK property as a basis to determine if banks have adequate security for peoples loans.

Equities are at an all time high and in light of the current market uncertainties, there seem to be more potential risks than gains. Some bonds will offer a good return but they also tend to reflect the risks in the market.

For example, Greek bonds are paying up to 9% but would you take the risk? Many bonds also lock you in for a long period of time, which means access to your money is restricted. Gold by comparison is very easy to liquidate.

We all have to pay tax on our income, including any gains we make on investments, such as savings, equities, bonds and property – but physical gold is an exception. When you invest in tax-free gold you can legitimately avoid paying tax on your gains.

It’s a very similar product to an ISA but with none of the restrictions or penalties on early liquidation. Furthermore, you are able to keep and control you investment. Many people use physical gold as an efficient form of tax planning, to minimise inheritance tax too.

Between the unprecedented events surrounding the Trump presidency and the continued uncertainty around the UK's Brexit plans, the Anglo-American economic climate is set for a turbulent year.

Elsewhere the Eurozone is struggling with the impending Italian banking crisis, the conflicts in the Middle East continue unabated and corruption scandals are sweeping across the Brazilian and Korean governments.

Whether investing to sell or to secure your finances against potential instability, there's never been a better time to invest in physical assets like gold.