Investment and Banking Case Study

Gold as a long term investment – Fading glitter?

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Abstract:
Investors are often unsure as to what should constitute their long-term investment portfolio. Gold as an investment provides a hedge against inflation and gives relatively predictable returns amidst uncertain economic conditions. Gold has been reported to be a best bet during bad times and is said to never fall in value due to its own intrinsic worth, though the return may be small. On the other hand, stocks may give exceptional returns - as high as twelve times more than gold in a booming market. But at the same time, the return may turn out to be negative if the market turns bearish. How should a prudent investor diversify the portfolio in such a format that it takes care of the returns whether the market is bearish or bullish? Is gold as a long-term investment a better option than stocks?

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To study gold as a long-term investment
• To study stocks as a long-term investment as compared to gold.
• To comprehend the critical success factors of long-term investment.

Keywords :  Gold, Long-term investment, Stocks, Inflation, Economy, Financial crisis, Hedge, Index funds, Investment portfolio, Stock exchange