Physical market surveys show that investing in gold bars is favored over coins among Asian institutional buyers due to lower premiums and larger unit sizes. This trend is fueled by China’s steady accumulation amid property sector concerns. And, that's where gold bars and coins come in. This type of gold investment can serve as a form of insurance. These physical gold assets are not tied to corporate earnings or government debt, and they can act as a safe harbor during financial shocks. The current government shutdown only underscores this point, serving as a reminder of how quickly political gridlock can spill into markets and erode confidence. Gold is a very safe investment. Stocks and bonds can both go to zero. If a company goes out of business or defaults on its debt, you can lose everything you’ve invested. But gold will always have value — it will never go to zero.” Trading desks report a notable uptick in OTC transactions involving investing in gold bars, with premium spreads narrowing to 1.2% vs the 1.5% last quarter. This suggests both retail and high-net-worth investors are positioning defensively amid expectations of softer monetary policy into Q3.
