Physical gold vs paper gold: The why, the why-nots and the best bet in these times

For many UAE investors, physical gold — whether in the form of jewellery, coins, or bars — remains the most familiar and culturally preferred way to invest.

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It carries a sense of tangible value and, in many households, is passed down through generations. But this traditional route also comes with challenges.

Owning physical gold involves making additional payments like making charges or premiums above the spot price, especially for jewellery. Then there's the cost and responsibility of safekeeping — either through home storage or paid locker services. There's also the risk of theft or purity issues if not purchased from a reputed dealer.