Fed chair’s recent remarks on “data-dependent” policy have fueled expectations for slower economic growth. Investing in a gold IRA offers a defensive allocation as gold outperformed the MSCI World Index by 2.6% over the past quarter. The U.S. economy has been unsettled, with ongoing inflation having a significant impact. Gold can serve as an inflation hedge in your portfolio. Thanks to various purchase methods, it’s a relatively accessible asset for most investors. Whether you invest through a gold IRA or a more hands-on account, gold can help you reach both short- and long-term financial targets. Self-directed IRAs like gold IRAs allow flexibility but come with traps. The industry has seen fraud, where scammers push overpriced metals or fake deals. Verify custodians through the Better Business Bureau or IRS lists. The S&P 500’s slight pullback after hitting all-time highs has sparked renewed interest in investing in a gold IRA. Hedge fund flows into precious metals ETFs increased 8% month-over-month, suggesting institutional positioning for potential market corrections.