Jasmine Birtles
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Trade Tariffs and Tumbling Markets: Is Gold the Safe Haven Again?
Ruby Layram
8th May 2025
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Let’s face it, the markets aren’t exactly giving us peace of mind right now. With trade tariffs making headlines again and the global economy on edge, it’s no wonder savvy investors are eyeing up gold. It’s the classic move when everything else feels a bit wobbly.
And this isn’t the first time it’s happened either. Gold has a long track record of stepping up when things go downhill.
Take the 2008 financial crisis, for example. While stock markets were in freefall (down nearly 50%!), gold prices more than doubled between 2008 and 2012. If that’s not a shining example of a safe haven, we don’t know what is.
Also read: Why Trump’s Tariffs Could Be Good News for Gold Investors
Gold’s on the Move Again
Fast forward to 2025, and here we go again. The US has slapped on new tariffs, global trade is getting a bit messy, and economic slowdowns are starting to bite. Sound familiar?
In the middle of all this, gold has quietly (or not-so-quietly) climbed to a record high– hitting over £2,565 an ounce in April.
Interestingly, that’s a 21% increase since the start of the year, which mirrors what we saw during the early COVID days back in 2020.
It seems like when the going gets tough, gold gets going.
What’s Different This Time?
Back in the dot-com bubble days, gold didn’t do quite as much- largely because everyone was too busy chasing tech stocks and the US dollar was riding high.
But this time around, we’ve got a mix of uncertainty, market jitters, and whispers of rate cuts on the horizon. And that’s the kind of market conditions gold loves.
So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding a bit of gold to your portfolio, the answer might just be “yes”.
So, How Can You Invest in Gold (Without Needing a Giant Vault)?
There are a few ways to invest in Gold in 2025- and don’t worry, you don’t need to be a millionaire or hide bars under your bed.
- Physical gold: You can buy bars or coins (more on those in a second).
- Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): These track the price of gold and are easy to buy through most online investment platforms.
- Gold mining shares: If you fancy a bit more risk and potential reward, you could invest in companies that dig the stuff out of the ground.
Why Gold Sovereigns Are a Smart Pick for UK Investors
Now, let’s talk about one of the most underrated (but very tax-savvy) ways to buy gold in the UK: gold sovereigns (a fancy word for coins).
These are small, beautifully made coins that contain a set amount of gold. They are a very popular choice for UK investors because they’re completely free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if you’re a UK resident.
Yep, that means if gold prices shoot up and you decide to sell your sovereigns, you won’t owe the taxman a penny on your profits. That’s because sovereigns are classed as legal tender in the UK.
Even better? They’re also VAT-free, unlike some other forms of gold.
Gold sovereigns are:
- Easy to store (they’re small and portable).
- Highly recognisable and easy to sell.
- Ideal for gradually building up a gold holding without splashing out thousands in one go.
- Great for gifting or passing down, if you like the idea of leaving something sparkly (and valuable) to loved ones.
How to Buy Gold Sovereigns
If you’ve decided gold sovereigns are the way to go (great choice!), it’s best to go through a reputable provider that get their coins from the Royal Mint.
Bullion Club makes it super simple to get started. Here’s how:
1. Visit the Bullion Club Website
Head over to the Bullion Club website. It’s a straightforward site designed for beginners and offers customer support if you get a bit stuck.
2. Browse the Gold Investment Services
Click on “Investment Process” in the menu or browse through the “Services” section. This will give you a bit more information about what Bullion Club offer and the process of investing in Gold through them.
You can never be too informed! So take your time here to familiarise yourself with your options.
3. Book a Call
Schedule a call with an expert to discuss your investment goals and time horizon. The team will be able to help you pick the best coins for your goals.
4. Buy Your Coins
Confirm which coins you would like to buy and then complete your order through the Bullion Club site.
5. Select Secure Delivery
All orders are sent via fully insured, tracked delivery- so your gold gets to you safely and discreetly. You can also opt for secure storage if you’d rather not keep your gold at home.
6. Receive Your Gold (or Store It Securely)
Your coins will arrive safely packaged and ready to stash, gift, or simply admire. If you chose Bullion Club’s storage service, your gold will be held in a high-security UK vault- and you can request delivery at any time.
Final Thoughts: Is Gold Still Worth It in 2025?
With all the noise around trade wars, market dips, and potential rate cuts, gold is definitely having a moment- and for good reason. It’s proven itself time and again as a solid fallback when the financial world feels a bit shaky.
Whether you go for a simple gold ETF or get a bit more hands-on with sovereign coins, gold could offer a bit of balance and peace of mind in your portfolio. And hey, with tax benefits like those, gold sovereigns might just be the golden ticket for UK investors looking for a smart, long-term move.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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