Gold: A Timeless Investment Haven

Monday 18 December 2023 - 08:00

For millennia, gold has entranced humanity, captivating ancient Egyptian pharaohs and modern central bankers alike. This precious metal has consistently proven itself as a reliable store of value, particularly during times of crisis when paper currencies falter. In the face of global economic uncertainty, gold stands resilient as the preferred safe haven asset for many investors.

Moroccan jeweler Youssef Wahbi highlights the enduring allure of gold, citing the remarkable appreciation of traditional 18 karat Moroccan “sertla” gold bracelets. Weighing 100 grams, these bracelets, which sold for 10,000 Moroccan dirham in 2005, now command an impressive 60,000 dirham—a staggering 500% increase in investment value over 18 years. Wahbi explains, “In 2005, the price of 18Kt gold was 80 dirhams per gram. Today, the gram has reached 513 dirhams.”

Dr. Selma Sidki, an economics professor at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, Morocco, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how gold becomes a refuge for investments during periods of instability surrounding oil and dollar prices. Beyond its role in providing financial security, Dr. Sidki notes that gold jewelry often represents the sole viable investment option for women lacking entrepreneurial avenues. The portability of gold savings further enhances its appeal for a broad spectrum of investors.

Whether worn as a fashionable accessory or discreetly stowed away as portable savings, gold remains a steadfast and trusted choice. In a world characterized by constant flux, its enduring value serves as a reassuring constant, providing stability amid the uncertainties of the global economic landscape.