While 50% of all gold extracted from the earth today is transformed into jewelry, 40% of it is destined for the investment market. The yellow metal remains the ultimate representation of the best (the Olympic gold medal) or exclusive (the wedding ring). It is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament and drew explorers to unknown lands throughout history. It has held real and symbolic positions of prime importance to humanity since time immemorial. Gold has retained its acceptability as a medium of exchange and its appeal as a store of value throughout the centuries. Physical gold acts as a safe haven and a diversification asset and investors often use it to protect their portfolios from banking risks, the harmful effects of inflation, the accumulation of government debt or a reversal of the financial markets.
