Gold Hits $3,348 per Ounce Amid 26.36% Year-Long Surge

As of August 12, 2025, gold was trading at $3,348 per ounce at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, reflecting a $8 decrease from the price at the same hour on the previous day and a $882 increase compared to the same time last year [1]. The price change of 0.24% from the previous day marks a modest decline, while the 12-month increase underscores a significant appreciation in the value of gold over the past year.

Looking back, the price of gold was $3,356 per ounce a day earlier, with a 0.24% rise from that point. One month ago, the price was slightly lower at $3,343, a 0.15% drop from the current price. In contrast, the $2,466 per ounce recorded one year ago represents a 26.36% decline relative to the current level [1].

Gold’s performance highlights its role as a long-term hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Historically, gold has demonstrated appreciation over time, making it a favored asset among investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Unlike traditional stocks, which averaged 10.7% annual returns between 1971 and 2024, gold averaged 7.9% during the same period. However, during times of market volatility, gold has served as a more stable store of value [1].

The current spot price of gold is reflective of immediate market demand and is distinct from futures contracts, which involve delayed settlement. When the futures price exceeds the spot price, the market is said to be in contango, a common scenario for commodities with storage costs. Conversely, backwardation occurs when the futures price is lower than the spot price [1].

Investors have various avenues to gain exposure to gold, including physical bullion, gold coins, gold jewelry, gold futures contracts, and gold funds such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs offer a liquid and convenient option, allowing easier portfolio rebalancing compared to physical gold [1].

Gold has reached record highs in 2025, climbing over 25% from early in the year. This surge has been driven by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and global uncertainty, reinforcing gold’s role as a diversification tool in modern portfolios [1].

Other precious metals also saw activity on the same day. Silver traded at $38 per ounce, platinum at $1,334, and palladium at $1,137. While these metals serve similar portfolio diversification purposes, they tend to be more volatile than gold, especially silver, which is sensitive to industrial demand [1].

Experts suggest that while gold is not a guaranteed high-return investment in all economic conditions, it remains a reliable asset during times of uncertainty. Investors who prioritize stability over aggressive growth often view gold more as a store of value than a speculative asset [1].

Source: [1] Current price of gold as of August 12, 2025 (https://fortune.com/article/current-price-of-gold-08-12-2025/)