Gold in 2025: Investment Strategies and Opportunities in the Global Market

Gold remains one of the most sought-after assets by investors worldwide, especially during periods marked by economic instability and political uncertainties. With 2025 approaching, new opportunities have emerged for those looking to diversify their portfolio and protect their wealth. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how to buy gold on the stock exchange, the available methods, and the reasons that make this asset so attractive today.

The Gold Outlook in 2025

The gold market is currently in the spotlight. In March 2025, the price reached US$ 2,800 per ounce, reflecting the growing demand for protective assets. The accumulated appreciation over the past 12 months reached 15%, significantly outperforming many traditional stock indices.

This performance is no coincidence. Several macroeconomic factors converge to value gold:

Global Economic Context: Emerging economies face an average inflation rate of 4.8%, according to IMF data. When inflation rises, investors seek assets that preserve purchasing power. Gold, historically, maintains its intrinsic value even in scenarios of monetary devaluation.

Tense Geopolitical Environment: Conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe increase demand for “safe haven” financial assets. Institutions and individuals expand their positions in gold as a hedge against systemic risks.

Interest Rate Dynamics: Central banks adjust their policies. While the Fed maintains interest rates between 3.5% and 4.0%, the Central Bank of Brazil sets the Selic at 8.5%. This discrepancy directs capital toward alternative assets, including precious metals.

Why Invest in Gold Now?

Understanding the benefits of investing in gold helps to make more informed decisions:

Protection Against Inflation
When currencies lose value, gold tends to appreciate. This negative correlation with inflation makes the precious metal an effective wealth preservation tool. In 2024, while many assets faced pressure, gold gained 18%.

Portfolio Diversification
Gold exhibits a low correlation with cryptocurrencies and stocks. Adding gold to a portfolio reduces overall volatility and improves the risk-return profile. Sophisticated investors allocate between 5% and 10% of their wealth in gold.

High Liquidity
The gold market moves approximately US$ 150 billion daily in global transactions. This liquidity means you can buy and sell easily at any time of day without difficulties executing your orders.

Perennial Demand
Unlike speculative assets, gold will always have demand. The electronics industry consumes 320 tons annually for chip manufacturing. High-efficiency solar panels also use gold. Not to mention jewelry and central bank reserves, which continue to accumulate precious metal.

Practical Methods: How to Buy Gold on the Stock Exchange

There are multiple ways to gain exposure to gold without needing to store physical metal. Each method offers advantages and disadvantages depending on your profile and objectives.

Mining Company Stocks

Investing in companies that explore gold provides indirect exposure to the metal. Vale (VALE3) is a relevant example: expanding gold mining operations in Pará state, with an annual production of 1.5 million ounces. The company offers potential appreciation both through gold production and its diversified structure.

Newmont Corporation (NEM) is the world’s largest gold producer and pays dividends of 3.5% annually, offering income beyond the possible appreciation of the stock.

Gold ETFs

Exchange-traded funds simplify access to gold. The GoldBR ETF, the first product backed by physical gold on B3, charges an management fee of only 0.3% and offers full traceability. Internationally, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is the market leader, now allowing partial redemption in physical gold for large investors.

Futures Contracts

For more experienced traders, futures contracts offer leveraged exposure. The standard contract represents 100 troy ounces (approximately US$ 216,970 in July 2025). Smaller versions with 10 ounces are also available, enabling operations with less capital. This approach requires technical knowledge and active risk management.

Contracts for Difference (CFD)

Gold CFDs allow trading the metal’s price without physical possession. With competitive spreads (starting at 0.3 pip), this modality offers flexibility for small and medium investors. CFDs enable gains both in rising and falling markets, expanding available strategies.

Themed Investment Funds

Asset managers offer funds that aggregate various exposures to gold, from mining stocks to ETFs and derivatives. This diversified approach reduces individual risk and provides professional management.

Price Dynamics and Determining Factors

Understanding what moves gold helps to make better-informed decisions.

Historical Analysis and Critical Levels

Over the past 20 years, gold has oscillated significantly:

• All-time high: US$ 2,800/ounce in March 2025
• Recorded low: Approximately US$ 400/ounce in 2004
• 2025 average: US$ 2,400/ounce, representing a 15% increase over 2024
• Critical support: US$ 2,150/ounce, a level attracting institutional buying

Factors Influencing Prices

Monetary Policy:
Decisions by central banks profoundly affect gold. When interest rates fall, gold becomes more attractive as the opportunity cost decreases. When rates rise excessively, some investors shift to fixed income.

Industrial Demand:
5G technology, AI, and solar panels require gold. These uses grow annually, creating solid underlying demand independent of speculation.

International Reserve Policies:
Brazil increased its reserves by 25%, accumulating 400 tons. China continues to accumulate, with 2,500 tons in its portfolio, demonstrating governments’ confidence in the metal as a store of value.

Currency Volatility:
The dollar lost 12% of its value against Asian currencies in 2024, making gold cheaper for investors in those regions, amplifying global demand.

Benefits and Risks: A Balanced Assessment

Like any investment, gold has advantages and challenges.

Consolidated Advantages:

• Proven safety: Survived crises in 2008, 2020, and maintains value
• Effective diversification: Reduces total portfolio correlation
• Recognized liquidity: Quick sales in organized markets
• Wealth protection: Resists monetary devaluations

Challenges to Consider:

• Short-term volatility: Prices fluctuate significantly daily
• Storage costs: Physical gold requires security and insurance
• No yield: Does not generate dividends or interest like stocks and bonds
• Macro-economic dependence: Without inflation or crisis, may underperform

Recommended Strategies for 2025

Based on the current scenario, some approaches stand out:

For Conservative Investors: Allocate 5% in gold ETFs for protection without excessive concentration.

For Moderate Investors: Combine 70% in ETFs ( with 30% in mining stocks ) to balance safety and yield potential.

For Aggressive Investors: Use CFD and mini futures operations for controlled leverage, taking advantage of volatility.

Timing: Given the critical support at US$ 2,150/ounce, investors see opportunities in dips near this level.

Conclusion

Investing in gold in 2025 is a strategic choice for diversified portfolios. With prices at historically high levels, growing industrial demand, and a favorable macroeconomic environment, the precious metal offers protection and appreciation potential.

The decision on how to buy gold on the stock exchange depends on your profile, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Whether through ETFs, mining stocks, futures contracts, or CFDs, multiple paths are available.

The key is to stay well-informed, assess your objectives, and choose instruments aligned with your personal strategy. Gold remains a valuable tool in any conscious investor’s arsenal.