After the devastating financial crash in early 2008 that dragged on over the next several years, many people were left reeling. For those who lost thousands or millions when the market sank without hope for a quick recovery, the pain is still too fresh. As significant as the market crash was, it was soon followed by the Madoff scandal at the close of 2008, showcasing the true vulnerability of wealth. With sky-high unemployment, bank bailouts and international companies closing their doors, it’s no wonder many people lost faith in the market. Although plenty of individuals chose and still choose to keep money invested in marketable securities because they are unaware of other options, financially savvy investors have spent the last six years looking for alternatives. Even though the economy is seemingly on the rebound and employment rates are recovering, the fear is still there. People all over the world are wary about reinvesting in the markets and are looking to protect their money in the event something devastating should happen again.
As most individuals know, the market peaks and falls normally over time. The market performance over the last decade, however, has been far from normal. This fact is alarming to many investors, both those who lost millions and those who did not. The current recovery will not necessarily last forever, a fact of which many are well aware. What if it happens again? What if there is another Madoff around the corner, waiting to prey on those looking for a high-yield investment? The possibilities of financial uncertainty or fraudulent activity are still present. Many investors wonder whether investing in the market is truly safe or whether other alternatives should be considered. Due to the potential returns, keeping some assets in equity investments can be a smart decision. However, if you choose this strategy, it is wise to have a backup.
Many individuals have been taking strides to keep their money out the market’s reach. For most people, this means cash. Whether in banks or in safety deposit boxes, cash will remain cash no matter what the market may or may not do. Cash will also never mature in value, meaning that keeping money in cash is an almost unnecessarily cautious choice. Others prefer fixed income funds, which are significantly less volatile than stocks or bonds but still allow for a slow growth over time. Commodities are another popular option, both prior to and after the new wave of market skepticism. Precious metals, in particular, are seen by many as a worthwhile investment. With practical and decorative uses, metals like gold, silver, platinum and palladium are becoming increasingly popular as investment choices, especially for individuals who no longer have faith in the stock market.
Precious metals such as gold and silver have a long history of value. With uses in producing items like jewelry, electronics and medical equipment, precious metals are both beautiful and useful. Precious metals have long been used for investment purposes but are growing in popularity due to their consistent worth. Although many investors prefer metals-backed exchange traded funds or other securities, more still prefer buying the physical product. Unlike a security, gold can’t be rendered worthless. Its value tends to keep pace with inflation, meaning that it will appreciate in a way that cash alone cannot. It is highly useful, so there is always a demand for precious metals. Additionally, it can be kept safe in a safety deposit box or a safe in the home rather than in a virtual account like a traditional banking experience. Precious metals are a popular investment choice for a reason, and more and more people every day are breaking into precious metals investing.
There are many different ways to purchase precious metals. Many people prefer bullion or coins. For many investors, coins can be a more exciting investment opportunity simply due to the variety and wide price range. While bullion tends to be fairly standard, coins offer a greater selection, especially for those who do not have thousands and thousands of dollars to invest. Coins are frequently less expensive than bullion bars, which often cost several thousand dollars each. Rare coins also have the added benefit of being a collector’s item, meaning that their worth can often fluctuate beyond the trading price of gold or silver on a particular day. If you invest in rare coins that are likely to be desirable collectibles in the future, you may see your investment grow even faster than you could have ever anticipated. While buying bullion can be an incredibly worthwhile investment as well, many individuals see investing in rare coins as a more interesting, exciting way to buy gold, silver, palladium or platinum.
Getting started in investing in rare coins can be very simple. There are many online and in-store vendors you can use to get an idea of what you want and what average prices are like. While some people like physically handling coins before purchase, many prefer the ease and convenience of online shopping. Online vendors tend to offer better deals and more competitive rates as well, making them an easy choice for lots of people around the world. Most online vendors cannot only sell you coins but will also provide you advice for getting started. For example, Monaco is a well-known and highly regarded source for rare coin collectors with a knowledgeable sales staff and competitive pricing. Monaco offers a wide selection in a large range of costs, allowing for coin options for every budget and preference, a valuable resource for coin buyers.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to investing, but in recent years more and more people are losing faith in the markets. Alternative investments are becoming more popular, including investments in rare coins and other forms of precious metal. These opportunities can be a welcome addition to one’s portfolio and a great way to protect assets in the long run in the event of another market slump. Precious metals have been a legitimate form of investment for decades and now is no different. If you are frustrated with the market’s performance and are looking for a way to expand your horizons, investing in rare coins could be the opportunity you are waiting for.