Investing in Swiss gold

In this exclusive article, b-sharpe, your online currency converter, and our partner GOLD AVENUE answer all your questions and provide you with everything you need to know about investing in gold in 2023.

Why invest in gold?

For thousands of years, gold has retained its value and served as a store of wealth. Even today, it remains a tangible, profitable and sustainable investment. Far from being outdated, investing in gold offers numerous advantages and is a more accessible form of saving than one might think. It is, in fact, attracting more and more young investors. So, why invest in gold? Here are a few pointers to help you better understand this investment. 

Is gold a safe haven?

Is investing in gold a safeguard against inflation? Unlike shares, bonds or savings accounts, gold generates no income and its value only increases when it is sold. It is a tangible, physical asset that can be exchanged in person. Yet it is often referred to as a safe-haven asset. Indeed, historically, gold has been a highly sought-after investment during times of crisis, as it is considered safe. In a context of inflation and falling interest rates, gold may prove to be a more sensible and secure financial investment choice. However, despite this positive outlook, bear in mind before investing that all investments carry risks, and that it is impossible to predict with certainty how the price of gold will evolve. 

A great way to diversify your savings 

This is the golden rule for any investor. As we never tire of repeating, you need to diversify your investment portfolio in order to minimise risk. It is entirely possible to invest your money in precious metals: gold, of course, but also silver, platinum or palladium. Adding one or more gold bars to your investments is therefore a very good idea!

Is investing in gold affordable for everyone?

Investing in gold isn’t necessarily just for the wealthy. The great thing about gold? It can be bought in small amounts! This means you can invest in gold even on a tighter budget. Indeed, the precious yellow metal comes in several forms:  

• Ingots, whether cast or struck, weighing between 1 gram and 1 kilogram; 
• Gold coins

Good to know: there are two measures of gold purity: carats and fineness. 999.99 pure gold, or 24 carats, is the highest quality available. 

When it comes to price, there is gold to suit every budget. Whilst a magnificent 1-kilo gold bar will set you back just under €60,000 (depending on the current gold price), you can just as easily opt for a lighter weight at a lower price. At GOLD AVENUE, you can find gold bars and coins for under €500, and even 1g gold nuggets starting from €70!

How do you invest in gold? 

There is a wide range of precious metal dealers you can turn to when investing in gold. You can buy gold from a bank, a high-street dealer or an online dealer. Where should you buy gold? Follow our guide below!  

Do banks sell gold bars? 

Do banks sell gold bars? In theory, yes, but this is not their core business. These days, very few banks offer this service or hold gold in storage. Check with your bank in advance to find out whether it sells physical gold. 

Investing in gold through an online retailer 

If you want to invest in gold, you could also choose a retailer with a physical shop. Did you know? It’s entirely possible to invest in gold online.  Choose a trusted online dealer such as GOLD AVENUE. By partnering with mines, refineries and reputable companies in the gold industry, GOLD AVENUE offers Swiss gold to suit all budgets, with bars of all weights. An investment you can make with complete transparency!  

A few things to bear in mind before investing in gold

Are you thinking of investing in gold? That’s an excellent idea. However, as with any investment, this decision should be carefully considered and approached with caution. So, here are a few things to check before investing in gold: 

• Before buying a gold bar, ask your dealer for the names of the producers. This is because only a few refineries are authorised to produce gold bars. They must be accredited by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association). This is the association of professionals in the London precious metals market. This professional body, based in England, regulates the wholesale markets for gold and silver; 

• Check the legal information provided by the retailer (legal notices, Terms and Conditions of Sale), as well as customer reviews and the storage options on offer. In addition, the retailer must provide you with an invoice in your name, showing the date of purchase and details of the products sold; 
• Please ensure that payment is made by bank transfer, credit card or bank cheque. The sale of gold for cash is strictly prohibited. 

Storage and insurance 

The only real drawbacks to investing in gold are storage and security risks. These are important points to consider before investing in gold. Gold is a physical asset that must be stored securely to protect it from theft or damage. Opt for secure storage and insurance. A home safe is an option, but it carries greater risks. Secure storage in a bank is also possible. Finally, please note that GOLD AVENUE offers you the option of storing your purchases made on the site free of charge, up to a value of €10,000. Precious metals are stored in GOLD AVENUE’s secure vaults in Switzerland. An ideal option for highly secure storage of your precious metals, at minimal cost and with complete peace of mind.

Is it a good investment to buy gold in 2023?

Let’s now turn to a crucial question: is it worth investing in gold at the moment? 

Gold price trends

Like any commodity, the price of gold is subject to fluctuations. However, its value tends to rise. Indeed, the value of gold tends to increase in times of crisis, inflation or economic uncertainty. It is considered a ‘safe-haven’ asset, less affected by speculation. For example, over the last five years, it has risen by more than 50%. It is therefore a less volatile investment than traditional savings products, which are proving to be less and less profitable.

How do I sell my gold?

Investing in gold means you can sell your holdings at any time and quickly access cash. You can sell your gold to a precious metals dealer. However, it is also possible to sell your gold online to a certified dealer. GOLD AVENUE buys and sells gold stored exclusively in its vaults, directly online and securely. Sell as much gold as you wish and receive your money within 72 hours. GOLD AVENUE buys your precious metals at the SPOT price, i.e. the market price. There are therefore no additional fees or commissions on sales. 

Nowadays, many investors are turning to gold to safeguard their savings. Despite a number of common misconceptions, investing in gold is by no means the preserve of the wealthy. It is a secure form of saving that is accessible to everyone. Gold bars and fine gold coins are available for purchase at lower prices, allowing people of all ages to build up savings in gold and create long-term wealth.  

For more information:  

B-sharpe is a trusted financial partner for online currency exchange. Use our US dollar to Swiss franc converter or our euro to Swiss franc converter for all your international transactions, to or from Switzerland!  

GOLD AVENUE, a gold partner. As the official online retailer for the MKS PAMP GROUP, the world leader in the precious metals sector, GOLD AVENUE offers a range of precious metals for sale, with a secure storage option. Invest in gold today.

Watch our Q&A session from 20 September 2023 on saving, featuring Alessandro Soldati from GOLD AVENUE and Jean-Marc Sabet from b-sharpe on YouTube: Watch our Live stream