Bullion Junkie

The Credit Suisse gold bar was the most popular on our website for the month of January. They are 24 Karat pure gold bars and refined to the highest standards 99.99% fine gold. What makes the Credit Suisse most attractive to investors is that they are fully backed by the Credit Suisse Bank of Switzerland.

With gold making a very strong comeback in 2009, its close sibling silver is also biting at its heels. Amidst equity marketing declines, buying activity for silver picked up as weakening stock markets throughout the world shifted investors towards bullion (either silver or gold) as a safer option.

The precious metals advanced signaling increased investor demand for the metals as a haven. While stock markets throughout the world are under strong selling pressure on rising concerns on an ever deepening global recession, it became apparent that precious metals is the place to be.

Gold has always been a stable investment, but not over the past 12 months. However, it seems like the tide is changing as gold is once again redeeming its position as a safe having for investors in troubled times. Keep an eye out as gold sneaks its way to $900-an-ounce in the near future. Today, the gold commodity surged $37.10 to settle at $895.30-an-ounce.

If you are not the kind to drop your money in commodities, then take a look at shares in gold mining companies. The hike in gold prices are provoking an upscale swing of mining companies share prices. With the onslaught of investment from many federal governments throughout the world, the fear is that inflation will begin to manifest itself. However, gold is typically seen by investors as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.

Gold is an international trading currency and therefore, gold can be purchased from anywhere in the world. Gold bullions can be bought from gold dealers, mints, foundries as well as from private individuals such as auctions or private sale. Regardless of where you are in the world, the same basic principles apply to buying gold bullions. If you follow the basic principles I have outlined below, you will ensure yourself that you are getting the best deal and the best gold for your investment capital.

1. Try to buy the biggest gold bullion or bullions you can afford. Bigger gold bullions have smaller premiums to be paid out per ounce of gold purchased. This in turn lowers your per ounce gold purchase price.
2. Always pick from well-established or accredited gold dealers and mints. You want to ensure that your gold seller has a reputation of selling top quality gold and this will in turn ensure that the purity of your gold bullions are certified.
3. Check with the gold dealer to inquire about shipping costs and insurance coverages included with the delivery costs. The insurance cost should cover the full replacement value of the gold bullion purchased in case of loss, theft, or damage.
4. Perform due diligence on your gold dealer or private seller to understand their business history and background. Ensure that they are accreddited, are easily contacted, and have references available should you wish to contact them. Afterall, buying gold is no kids' play.
5. This falls in line with the last principle. It is extremely safe and secure to buy gold bullions from eBay. eBay is now becoming the hotest market to buy, sell, and trade gold bullions. However, you still want to do your research on the product being sold and bid only on items being sold by reputable sellers. Check each seller's rating and feedback and never bid on items from dealers with very little history of selling gold bullions.
6. Do yourself a favor and understand the gold bullion investment market.  You would not invest in the stock market without doing any research first and you want to uphold the same practice in gold investment. Learn about where gold comes from, how they are produced, understand the terminologies, and learn the history and lineage of the mints that interest you. Also try to learn all aspects of the properties of gold including weights, fineness and purity.

Just like any other investment, taking the time to understand the intricacies of investing in gold will help you become a smarter and more successful gold investor. Happy investing!

When it comes to investing, our thoughts typically wander towards the stock market or real-estate. But as we all know, the stock market is extremely volatile and unless you are in it for the long haul or have an affinity to pick great short-term stocks, there is much more to be lost than gained. Real-estate, on the other hand, no longer enjoys its former glory of being a stable investment platform. With the falling housing prices and the economic recession in the US, the prospect of real-estate is less appealing to many investors.

Have you thought about investing in the precious metals market like gold? The gold commodity is a great investment platform because it is an extremely liquid investment, it is traded 24-hours per day worldwide, and it does a great job of fending off any market fluctuations. Gold also remains an extremely rare and exclusive commodity. A gold bullion seldom has mintages over 100,000 which also adds to its appeal. In my next post, I am going to give a beginner's guide to gold bullion collecting. But for now, take a look at the bullions that are being sold in the popular eBay auction site.