Losing Money On Gold

The price of gold has tripled in the last six years, giving investors an annual compounded return of nearly 20%. Compared to bank deposit returns of 8% a year and a volatile equity market, it is hard to argue with proselytizers of gold. But gold hasn’t always appreciated year-on-year. In the four years between 1988 and 1992, the price of gold fell every year. Again, between 1994 and 2001, gold prices declined year-on-year. Indeed, in the quarter century between 1980 and 2005, investors in gold lost 11.74% of their capital. The present rise in gold prices, which took off after the Lehman Brothers’ collapse in 2008, may reverse. These are the facts to remember,as you try to decide whether to keep your gold or sell.