The primary reasons for investing in gold have remained much the same over its long history.

Gold is a safe haven in times of economic and financial instability.

Gold is a proven asset diversifier which, when included in financial portfolios, reduces the investor's overall risk.

Gold can be a good stand-alone investment based on its supply and demand fundamentals and market circumstances.

Gold is a hedge against inflation over the long term.

A Secure Foundation for a Balanced Portfolio
Whether your investment approach is conservative or aggressive, gold can play a vital role in your portfolio. For this reason, many experts urge investors to keep at least 5-10% of their total assets in gold. 

The diagram above represents a typical portfolio. At the pyramid’s base are conservative investments, such as blue-chip stocks and bonds. And at the top are aggressive, and often speculative investments, such as growth stocks, futures and options. But everyone needs a secure foundation. That’s why gold is essential for every portfolio. Gold is part of that secure foundation for every investor–average, aggressive, or conservative.