How to Buy Gold at Spot and Start Investing Today

Person Holding Gold and Silver Round Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Person Holding Gold and Silver Round Coins

So you're interested in buying gold at spot and starting to invest? First, you need to understand that buying gold at spot means purchasing it at its current market price, which can fluctuate daily.

The spot price of gold is determined by the London Bullion Market Association, and it's typically quoted in troy ounces. You can check the current spot price online or through a reputable dealer.

To buy gold at spot, you'll need to find a dealer who offers this service. Some popular options include online dealers like APMEX and JM Bullion, or local coin shops in your area.

Understanding Gold Prices

The spot price of gold is not the price of the last physical trade, but rather an average net present value of the estimated future price of gold, based on traded futures contracts and the nearest month.

The LBMA sets a price, the "London fix", based on gold futures trades, which is then adjusted to trading on COMEX and other exchanges.

Pile of Gold Round Coins
Credit: pexels.com, Pile of Gold Round Coins

The spot price is calculated on an electronic/paper market, independent of current physical supply, so when you buy gold coins or bullion, you're actually buying against this calculated price.

The spot price is always in motion, so it's not useful to lock onto an exact number, but rather to get a sense of where the price is.

To get the most accurate pricing, use a gold spot price chart, which shows the current price of gold and its trend over time.

The spot price chart is a quick snapshot of gold price performance, gathered from reliable sources.

The price you pay for gold includes the spot price with an added premium to cover manufacturing, operational, distribution, and retailer costs.

The spot price of gold is determined by a global interest in gold, traded across different exchanges, including the COMEX, which takes into account factors such as fluctuating currencies, bond and stock market turmoil, and geopolitical reasons.

The COMEX is the key exchange that determines the live U.S. spot gold price, and its data is used in the value calculation of the spot price.

Credit: youtube.com, Ep.4 Season 2 - Buying Gold and Silver - Understanding the Spot Price, Premiums and Total Spread

Supply and demand have a significant impact on the price of gold, and the spot price chart takes into account the banks, markets, and investors operating overseas and throughout different time zones.

The gold market may experience extreme changes in pricing, but there are also long periods of time where quiet trading and consistent price activity take place.

Getting Started

To buy gold at spot, you'll need to understand the basics of gold trading. Gold is typically priced in US dollars per ounce, and the spot price is the current market price.

First, you'll want to set up a trading account with a reputable online dealer or broker. This will give you access to live market prices and the ability to place trades.

The spot price is influenced by market supply and demand, as well as global economic conditions. For example, during times of economic uncertainty, investors often flock to gold as a safe-haven asset, driving up the spot price.

Getting Started in Precious Metals

Gold Number 4
Credit: pexels.com, Gold Number 4

Precious metals can strengthen your portfolio by providing a safe-haven asset that historically performs well during times of economic uncertainty.

Investing in precious metals can protect your assets from inflation, as their value tends to increase when the cost of living rises.

Precious metals like gold and silver can be leveraged to hedge against inflation, which can erode the purchasing power of traditional investments like stocks and bonds.

By diversifying your portfolio with precious metals, you can reduce your risk and increase your potential returns over time.

Investing in precious metals requires some research and planning, but with the right approach, it can be a valuable addition to your investment strategy.

Decide What You Want

Decide what you want before starting your journey into buying metal. Most people choose gold or silver, but there are also options for platinum and palladium.

You'll need to consider the type of metal you want to buy. The most common options are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

Think about the format in which you want to purchase your metal. Coins, rounds, or bars are the most common options.

Bars are a popular choice because they're often more affordable and easier to store than coins or rounds.

What to Buy First

Gold Bar Lot
Credit: pexels.com, Gold Bar Lot

When deciding what to buy first, your budget plays a significant role. Gold bars are often a cost-efficient way to get a lower premium over spot.

Your gold budget will be influenced by the current gold spot price. Gold coins, on the other hand, are typically minted by government mints and have a face value.

Consider the additional numismatic or collectible value that gold coins may carry. This can impact their overall value and desirability.

Comparing Bar Sellers

Gold is relatively easy to buy, but prices vary significantly as sellers include their desired profit margin plus additional costs such as authentication certificates, shipping and handling, and payment processing fees.

To get the best price on gold bars, a price comparison, including the different sellers' charges, is critical. This will help you avoid overpaying and make the most of your investment.

Gold as a commodity tends to perform well during economic recessions, and during these periods, many investors may be inclined to look to gold as an investment opportunity.

Credit: youtube.com, Comparing Bar Model_adding

The spot price of gold is a key factor to consider when comparing sellers. Finance websites that display stock tickers usually display the daily price of gold, which can help you make informed decisions.

Investors should be aware that gold prices can fluctuate significantly, as seen in the past when the price of gold consolidated from $1,900 oz USD in August 2011 to as low as $1,050 oz USD in late 2015.

Size

When buying gold bullion, consider the size of the investment. Buying smaller bars or coins can make it easier to sell them down the road if needed.

Gold bullion bars that weigh 1 ounce are often a good option, as they can be sold one at a time if needed. This is in contrast to larger bars, which might be harder to sell quickly.

Investors may also consider buying gram gold bars, which are even smaller. However, they often save up to buy bars of a more substantial size.

Gold jewelry is another option, but it's not commonly seen as a strong method of investing in gold due to high price markups.

Investing in Gold

Close-up of shiny gold bars and coins, representing wealth and fortune.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of shiny gold bars and coins, representing wealth and fortune.

Investing in gold requires understanding the difference between short-term and long-term price factors. The spot price of gold is influenced by both short-term market swings and long-term trends.

The spot price can change dramatically in response to news events or other factors, but if you're investing in gold coins or bullion, you should focus on long-term price factors. The increasing industrial demand for gold and the increasing cost of finding, recovering, and refining gold are two fundamental effects that can drive up the price of gold.

Understanding these long-term trends can help you make more informed investment decisions and reduce your risk. Dips in the current price may even be a reason to buy more gold if you believe the long-term trends remain bullish.

Long-Term Investing

Investing in gold coins and bullion is a great way to focus on long-term price trends, rather than short-term market swings. The increasing industrial demand for gold is a significant factor in the long-term price trend, indicating a greater future demand for gold.

Close-up of a golden bar with ancient warrior engraving on red velvet.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a golden bar with ancient warrior engraving on red velvet.

This demand is compounded by the increasing cost per ounce of finding, recovering, and refining gold, which puts upward pressure on the price. The spot price of gold is a mix of both short-term and long-term factors, making it essential to understand the fundamental effects on the price of gold.

Long-term price trends are often more reliable than short-term market swings, and understanding them can give you peace of mind as an investor. Dips in the current price may even be a reason to buy more gold if you believe the long-term trends remain bullish.

Purchase Trust

As you consider investing in gold, you might be wondering how to trust your purchase.

BGASC is a BBB accredited business, which is a big deal.

You can trust that your package will be insured for its time in transit to your location.

We're known for being one of the most trusted online dealers of gold and other precious metals in the United States.

This means you can shop with confidence, knowing your purchase is secure.

Check the Price

Detailed view of gold bullion bars placed on European currency euro banknotes, symbolizing wealth and investment.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of gold bullion bars placed on European currency euro banknotes, symbolizing wealth and investment.

The spot price of gold is a constantly changing number, so it's not useful to lock onto an exact number. You'll need to get a sense of where the spot price is, rather than trying to nail it down.

The price of gold bars fluctuates with demand, and it's influenced by market forces. For example, on June 17, 2023, the price of gold was $1,961 per ounce.

You can use a gold spot price chart to get the most accurate pricing when you're looking to purchase gold. This will show you the current gold price in the market, as well as how the price has changed over time.

The spot price is for an ounce of raw gold that has just been mined from the earth, but it doesn't include any of the costs of refining, transporting, or manufacturing the final product. With BGASC, you can get some of the best prices for gold according to the current spot price and market conditions.

Finance websites that display stock tickers usually display the daily price of gold, so it's easy to stay up-to-date on the current spot price.

Nellie Hodkiewicz-Gorczany

Senior Assigning Editor

Nellie Hodkiewicz-Gorczany is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a strong background in research and content curation, Nellie has developed a unique ability to identify and assign compelling articles that capture the attention of readers. Throughout her career, Nellie has covered a wide range of topics, including the latest trends and developments in the financial services industry.

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