## How to Invest in Gold Through Schwab
Gold is a popular investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolio and protect against inflation. Schwab offers a variety of ways to invest in gold, including:
* **Physical gold:** You can buy physical gold in the form of coins, bars, or jewelry. Physical gold is typically more expensive than other forms of gold investment, but it offers the advantage of being a tangible asset that you can hold in your possession.
* **Gold ETFs:** Gold ETFs are exchange-traded funds that track the price of gold. They offer a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in gold without having to buy physical gold.
* **Gold mutual funds:** Gold mutual funds are mutual funds that invest in gold mining companies. They offer a way to invest in gold indirectly and can provide diversification benefits.
### Buying Physical Gold Through Schwab
To buy physical gold through Schwab, you will need to:
1. Open a Schwab brokerage account.
2. Fund your account with enough money to cover the purchase price of the gold you want to buy.
3. Place an order for physical gold through the Schwab website or by calling a Schwab representative.
Schwab offers a variety of physical gold products, including:
* **Gold coins:** Schwab offers a variety of gold coins, including American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and South African Krugerrands.
* **Gold bars:** Schwab offers gold bars in various sizes, from 1 ounce to 100 ounces.
* **Gold jewelry:** Schwab offers a variety of gold jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
### Buying Gold ETFs Through Schwab
To buy gold ETFs through Schwab, you will need to:
1. Open a Schwab brokerage account.
2. Fund your account with enough money to cover the purchase price of the ETF you want to buy.
3. Place an order for the ETF through the Schwab website or by calling a Schwab representative.
Schwab offers a variety of gold ETFs, including:
* **SPDR Gold Shares (GLD):** GLD is the largest and most popular gold ETF. It tracks the price of gold bullion.
* **iShares Gold Trust (IAU):** IAU is another popular gold ETF. It also tracks the price of gold bullion.
* **VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ):** OUNZ is a gold ETF that is backed by physical gold bullion.
### Buying Gold Mutual Funds Through Schwab
To buy gold mutual funds through Schwab, you will need to:
1. Open a Schwab brokerage account.
2. Fund your account with enough money to cover the purchase price of the mutual fund you want to buy.
3. Place an order for the mutual fund through the Schwab website or by calling a Schwab representative.
Schwab offers a variety of gold mutual funds, including:
* **Schwab Total Gold Stock Market ETF (SGOL):** SGOL is a gold mutual fund that invests in gold mining companies.
* **Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX):** FSAGX is a gold mutual fund that invests in gold mining companies and gold ETFs.
* **T. Rowe Price Gold Stock Fund (TGSAX):** TGSAX is a gold mutual fund that invests in gold mining companies.
### Which Type of Gold Investment Is Right for You?
The type of gold investment that is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances and investment goals. If you are looking for a tangible asset that you can hold in your possession, then physical gold may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a more convenient and cost-effective way to invest in gold, then gold ETFs or gold mutual funds may be a better choice.
**Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the three types of gold investments:**
| **Type of Gold Investment** | **Advantages** | **Disadvantages** |
|—|—|—|
| Physical gold | Tangible asset that you can hold in your possession | More expensive than other forms of gold investment |
| Gold ETFs | Convenient and cost-effective way to invest in gold | Not a tangible asset |
| Gold mutual funds | Diversification benefits | Not a tangible asset |
### Conclusion
Gold can be a valuable addition to a diversified investment portfolio. It can provide protection against inflation and can help to reduce overall portfolio volatility. Schwab offers a variety of ways to invest in gold, so you can choose the option that is right for you.