Market volatility has soared over the past month. When uncertainty strikes—whether from economic instability, geopolitical tensions, or policy surprises—investors instinctively look for safer ground. For generations, gold has been one of the most trusted places to seek shelter.

Unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed at will, gold has real, intrinsic value. It’s more immune to inflationary erosion, central bank policies, and the volatility that often upends other asset classes. And today, with gold prices recently surging past $3,500 per ounce for the first time in history, it’s a good time to revisit why gold remains a vital piece of any defensive investment strategy.

Why Gold Stands Out

Gold’s reputation as a safe haven comes from a few key characteristics that no other asset class can fully replicate:

• Intrinsic Value: Gold is a tangible asset with real-world value. It doesn’t depend on the fortunes of a company or government.
• Liquidity: Gold is one of the most liquid assets in the world. It can be bought or sold almost anywhere at any time.
• Diversification: Gold often moves inversely to stocks, making it a useful hedge during equity market downturns.
• Inflation Protection: Historically, gold has maintained its value even when inflation eroded the purchasing power of cash.

These traits are why, during periods of turmoil, investors often move a portion of their portfolios into gold. It’s not just an emotional move—it’s a tactical one.

Gold’s Historical Strength During Volatile Times

Look back through history, and you’ll find a consistent pattern: when uncertainty spikes, so does gold. During the 2008 financial crisis, gold soared while stock markets crumbled. The same happened during the trade wars of 2018–2019 and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fast forward to today: concerns about global debt, tariffs, monetary policy instability, and geopolitical risks have pushed gold to new heights in 2025. With U.S. Treasuries no longer offering the same perceived safety—and inflation lingering above the Federal Reserve’s target—gold has once again proven its resilience.

Gold Stocks Worth Watching

Investors looking for gold exposure have more options than simply buying bullion or gold-backed ETFs. Gold mining companies often provide leveraged exposure to gold prices, meaning they can outperform the metal itself when prices are rising.

Here are a few of the top gold-related stocks to keep on your radar:

• Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD): One of the world’s largest gold producers, Barrick has a well-diversified portfolio across the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. Its balance sheet and operational strength make it a cornerstone of many gold-focused portfolios.
• Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM): Newmont holds the title of the largest gold mining company in the world. Its size, efficiency, and strategic focus on sustainability make it a reliable long-term play for investors.
• Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE: FNV): Rather than mining, Franco-Nevada specializes in royalty and streaming agreements. This model reduces operational risk while still giving investors strong exposure to rising gold prices.
• Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM): Agnico Eagle focuses on politically stable mining regions, which provides a layer of security for investors worried about geopolitical disruptions.

Each of these companies benefits from rising gold prices, but they also offer different risk profiles depending on their business models and geographic footprints.

Other Safe-Haven Alternatives

While gold typically gets the spotlight during turbulent times, investors should remember it’s not the only safe-haven asset:

• Silver: Often called gold’s “little brother,” silver shares many of gold’s properties but also benefits from industrial demand, giving it a slightly different risk/reward profile.
• U.S. Treasury Bonds: For decades, Treasuries were the go-to safe-haven asset. While they still offer stability, today’s higher inflation environment has somewhat dulled their appeal.
• Cash: Keeping some dry powder on hand provides flexibility. Just be aware that inflation erodes the real value of cash over time.

A well-diversified portfolio should include several types of safe-haven assets, depending on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Final Thoughts

Gold has stood the test of time. Across wars, recessions, political crises, and financial upheavals, it has remained a trusted store of value. In today’s unpredictable environment, gold’s role in a diversified portfolio is more important than ever.

Whether through direct ownership of physical gold, ETFs, or investments in high-quality mining companies like Barrick Gold Corporation or Newmont Corporation, there are multiple ways for investors to tap into gold’s safe-haven power.

As the old saying goes: gold may not pay dividends, but it can pay peace of mind when you need it most.