Gold Stocks: Is There a Bubble?

Warren Buffett recently invested in Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD). Is there a bubble in gold or should you invest in gold stocks like him?

| More on:

Gold has turned out to be a safe haven during this pandemic. Along with technology, it is another investment that analysts are assessing for a bubble. Many experts are saying that gold is experiencing a bigger bubble than technology.

Investors use gold to hedge against market volatility and inflation. The pandemic and resulting market chaos have quickly appreciated the market value of the gold commodity and publicly-traded gold stocks. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has recently invested in Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) stock.

The price of gold has now surpassed 10-year highs. At the time of writing, one ounce of gold costs $1,929. Previously, the price of this commodity reached slightly lower levels around the end of 2011 toward the end of the global financial crisis.

Is there a bubble in gold?

The good news for gold investors is that many central banks around the world are committing themselves to near-zero interest rates to maintain inflation. As a popular hedge against inflation, these policy decisions will likely boost the price of gold.

That said, when talking about the possibility of bubbles in a particular asset, it is crucial to remain calm but cautious. Diversification is the best way to protect your retirement savings from market overvaluations.

In other words, don’t scare yourself away from the possibility of a bubble in a particular asset. Instead, focus on whether your retirement portfolio is appropriately diversified and if you have enough cash set aside for emergencies.

Barrick Gold

Barrick Gold stock is highly rated among professionals in this market environment. Without a doubt, Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway probably have good sense to invest a portion of their cash in this stock.

Warren Buffett’s enterprise has an enormous amount of responsibility based on the quantity of cash under management. While Warren Buffett hasn’t typically been a huge fan of gold stocks, he and his management team probably understand the importance of gold in an investment portfolio.

While you shouldn’t throw all your money into gold assets, having a portion of your retirement savings in gold is a good idea. Thus, Barrick Gold stock is probably one of your best options in this space other than holding the actual asset.

Invest in market winners and losers

The stock market has its ups and downs. Winning stocks today can easily become losers tomorrow. The opposite is also true.

There are many top name companies out there selling for less than their long-term value due to the pandemic. If there is a bubble in assets like technology stocks and gold, then your best bet is to overcome your fear of some of these dependable brands and start buying shares in underpriced stocks today.

You don’t need a crystal ball to predict that the pandemic’s effects will subside within the next year or so. Airlines are not going to become extinct short of teleportation equipment. As far as I know, major technology companies are a far cry away from making this a reality.

The same goes for the financial sector. Bank stocks have their ups and downs just like any other asset. The only way to make money in the stock market is to buy low and sell high. That means shaking off the fear of losing money and taking a risk sometimes.

The trick is to do it slowly and diversify so that your gains outweigh your losses. The point is that there is risk in investing in all areas of the market right now. Don’t let that stop you from reaching your retirement goals. Go for it. Just invest with caution.

Fool contributor Debra Ray has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and recommends the following options: long January 2021 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), short January 2021 $200 puts on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares), and short September 2020 $200 calls on Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).

More on Tech Stocks

man looks worried about something on his phone
Tech Stocks

What’s a Great Tech Stock to Buy Right Now?

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) looks like a cheap tech giant worth picking up amid the tech wobbles.

Read more »

investor faces bear market
Tech Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Buy If the TSX Pulls Back 10%

A dip in the market can turn a watchlist stock into a "buy now," especially if the business is growing…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Tech Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 51% to Buy Hand Over Fist in March

Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) stock is down 51%! Grab this 38,000% compounding legend at a rare "clearance rack" price before the…

Read more »

A person's hand cupped open with a hologram of an AI chatbot above saying Hi, can I help you
Tech Stocks

The Canadian AI Stock That Could Soon Go Public

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Copilot and other AI innovators could make for a huge Cohere IPO in 2026 or 2027.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Tech Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 38% to Buy and Hold Forever

Topicus has slid hard from its highs, but its cash-flow compounding engine may still be running underneath the noisy headlines.

Read more »

chip glows with a blue AI
Tech Stocks

TFSA vs. RRSP: Where Should You Buy Micron Stock?

Micron stock has rallied 350% in 12 months. Is there more upside to the stock? If you are considering investing,…

Read more »

man is enthralled with a movie in a theater
Tech Stocks

Netflix Lost. Netflix Won. Film at 11.

Netflix lost the bidding war for Warner Bros. Why are investors celebrating?

Read more »

Sliced pumpkin pie
Tech Stocks

The Canadian Company Wall Street Is Ignoring — and Why That’s Your Opportunity

I don't usually pick stocks, but this TSXV naval defence startup is going on my watchlist.

Read more »