Diversification is the Key to a 21st Century Portfolio

- December 21, 2016 -

It’s no secret that here at Jack Hunt Gold & Silver our focus is on buying and selling precious metals. Being confirmed Capitalists we hope that those who read this consider putting a conservative percentage of their wealth into tangible gold, silver or platinum.

However, unlike many financial “advisors,” our non-commissioned brokers will never suggest that one place a majority of their wealth into precious metals. The truth is, contrary to many of our competitors, we’ve persuaded some overly zealous hard asset fans to spend less on metals than they initially planned.

We encourage our clients to be thoughtful, deliberate and well informed before making any decisions about asset allocation. Our belief is that a properly positioned portfolio for this day and age will contain a mix of equities and cash (both domestic and foreign) along with a healthy percentage of tangible assets such as real estate and precious metals.

Why Invest in Gold and Silver

Why precious metals? At some point higher interest rates and inflation will become an issue both in the U.S. and abroad. In a rising interest rate environment, all dollar denominated assets (stocks, bonds, annuities, whole life insurance) could be at risk. That’s where precious metals come in.

Gold and silver are not correlated to conventional financial assets. Historically precious metals tend to gain, or at least retain, value during times when other asset classes are in bear markets. In fact, gold prices often move inversely to investor confidence.

Despite the obvious advantages of including precious metals in a diversified portfolio, the financial industry has, in the past, been institutionally biased against precious metals. Bankers, stock brokers, insurance agents and financial planners had an inherent conflict of interest as they did not profit when investors diversified into hard assets.

That trend appears to be changing though. We have recently seen a significant uptick in financial advisors foregoing their own economic interests. They are now suggesting that their clients purchase precious metals (even if they do not profit from such a purchase) as a safety net to offset the unpredictable nature of the stock market. In essence, they are advocating that their clients purchase gold and silver as a form of wealth insurance.

Precious Metals Reduce Financial Risk

A recent study found that investors who put 7% to 15% of their assets in precious metals enjoy superior risk-adjusted returns. Yet the average investor has less than 1% of their assets in bullion. If the average investor started allocating 10% of their assets in precious metals, imagine the shock to the financial system!

How much an individual allocates to precious metals is ultimately a personal decision that depends upon one’s life circumstances, goals, risk tolerance and future expectations. If you expect a currency crisis within your lifetime you may want to consider boosting your metals allocation.

Don’t underestimate your current asset allocation. Consider all your financial assets, from brokerage and bank accounts to savings bonds and life insurance policies. In the event of a currency crisis, your investments with these counter-parties (whose liability is your asset) could be at risk. Do you own enough tangible assets to offset that risk?

Please consider Jack Hunt Gold & Silver for all your precious metal needs. We’re locally owned and have been in the same location for over 35 years. Our “no pressure” non-commissioned brokers are here to answer your questions and execute your orders.