Gold Drops 0.91% to $3,297, Up 28.73% Year Over Year

As of 9:20 a.m. Eastern Time on July 9, 2025, the price of gold stood at $3,297 per ounce, marking a $30 decrease from the same time the previous day. This price point represents a $926 increase over the past year, indicating a significant upward trend in gold's value. The price of gold has seen fluctuations, with a 0.91% increase from the previous day and a 0.79% increase from one month ago. However, it is important to note that the price of gold one year ago was $2,371, which is a 28.73% decrease from the current price.

Gold is often seen as a safe haven investment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Unlike traditional stocks, which can be volatile and subject to market fluctuations, gold has a long-term record of appreciating in value. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking to hedge against inflation and market volatility. One of the more common ways of buying and holding gold is through a gold IRA, which allows investors to avoid the cost and burden of storing physical gold.

However, it is important to note that gold does not outperform traditional stocks in every financial situation. In strong economic climates, stocks can deliver higher returns over both short and long periods. From 1971 to 2024, stocks averaged 10.7% in annual returns, while gold averaged 7.9%. This highlights the importance of diversifying one's investment portfolio and considering the economic climate when making investment decisions.

The spot gold price is the rate for immediate transactions when buying gold over-the-counter. This figure helps investors track real-time demand and trends. Simply put, a higher spot price reflects greater demand. Unlike futures, the spot price is for instant settlement. Many factors can affect the spot price, causing frequent changes. Active gold investors need to be prepared for this volatility.

When the future price is above the spot price, it’s called contango, which is common for commodities with high storage costs. If the futures price is below the spot price, it’s known as backwardation. A price spread is the difference between the buying and selling price of an asset. In gold trading, the ask price is what you pay to buy, and the bid price is what you receive when selling. The bid is always lower than the ask. A smaller spread means the market is more liquid. When spreads are tight, it suggests strong demand for gold.

Gold is often traded as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer a managed portfolio of easily traded assets. Popular gold investment options include gold bars, gold coins, gold jewelry, gold futures contracts, and gold funds. Gold bars, also called bullion, are sold by weight, with purity and manufacturer details stamped on the bar. Gold rounds are essentially the same, with the only notable difference being the shape of the bullion. Gold coins, such as the American Gold Eagle, are often priced higher than bars of the same weight due to rarity. Gold jewelry is priced above gold content for design and craftsmanship. Gold futures contracts are agreements to buy gold at a set price in the future, allowing speculation without handling the physical metal. Gold funds are mutual funds or ETFs invested in gold assets, with values tied to the underlying portfolio.

Whether now is the best time to invest in gold is open to interpretation. Still, adding gold can help diversify your portfolio and reduce market volatility. Gold remains a steady asset in today’s unpredictable market. Prices have soared to all-time highs, up over 25% since the beginning of 2025, fueled by inflation and uncertainty. Many experts suggest this is a good time to diversify with gold.

Silver, platinum, and palladium are also favored by investors. Gold is generally less volatile than silver, which can fluctuate widely in a single day. Silver’s industrial uses make it more responsive to economic changes. Platinum and palladium act similarly to silver. While they offer diversification, they tend to be more volatile than gold.

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.