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By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga
Get your hands on gold with an IRA or delivered to your door with Preserve Gold!
As market volatility surges and concerns over a potential U.S. recession intensify, investors are increasingly looking for a store of value to help protect their assets. Recent events, including a significant rise in the VIX and a Department of Justice (DoJ) investigation into the market darling Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), have amplified fears of a broader market downturn.
Adding to these concerns is renowned investor Warren Buffett’s decision earlier this year to increase his cash position by selling a large portion of his Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) stake, signaling caution in one of the most experienced market players. With these developments unfolding, gold seems to be emerging as a compelling investment. Here’s why investors might consider adding gold to their portfolios.
Rising Volatility And Market Concerns
The volatility index (VIX), which measures expected volatility in the S&P 500 over the next month, has recently soared to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge, driven by a dramatic 12% decline in Japan's Nikkei index and a subsequent global asset selloff, resulted in the VIX experiencing a record single-day increase of 181 points. Even surpassing levels observed during the 2008 financial crisis, this spike demonstrated the heightened bearish sentiment across global markets. The VIX futures market remains in backwardation, indicating that investors expect elevated volatility to persist in the short term.
Amid this backdrop, speculative positioning in VIX futures suggests that some investors may be preparing for further market turbulence, despite recent adjustments indicating a potential shift toward more cautious, net-long positions. Additionally, while there have been some positive economic indicators, such as a strong ISM services report, weak manufacturing and employment data, combined with a lack of clear signals from the Federal Reserve about emergency rate cuts, have kept market sentiment tentative.
DoJ Investigation Into Nvidia
A recent antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice (DoJ) into Nvidia, a key driver of market gains earlier this year, has added another layer of uncertainty. In September, Nvidia experienced a massive $279 billion decline in market capitalization, one of the largest single-day drops in history. The DoJ's probe focuses on potential anti-competitive practices, including exclusive chip usage penalties and restrictions on supplier switching.
While Nvidia has defended its business practices, emphasizing its long history of lawful innovation and accessibility, investor confidence seems to have been shaken. Concerns about slowing growth rates, coupled with seasonal vulnerabilities in September – a month historically challenging for stocks – have exacerbated these fears. As a result, a market heavily skewed toward tech investments has become increasingly vulnerable to negative news, prompting a reassessment of investment strategies among many market participants.
Warren Buffett’s Shift To Cash
Against this backdrop of rising volatility and heightened scrutiny of markets, Warren Buffett’s decision to reduce his stake in Apple and increase Berkshire Hathaway’s (NYSE: BRK.B) cash position further underscores the validity behind investor caution. Between December 2023 and June 2024, Berkshire Hathaway cut its Apple holdings by 55%, a move that surprised many, given Apple's strong revenue performance. This decision appears to reflect concerns about Apple's valuation and the potential challenges it faces in the Chinese market.
Buffett’s shift to cash, a rare move for the Oracle of Omaha, signals a strategic recalibration in response to current market conditions. Despite his reduction in Apple shares, Buffett remains bullish on Berkshire Hathaway, having repurchased $5 billion of its shares recently. This suggests that, while Buffett sees value in his company’s diversified business model, he is wary of broader market risks and is positioning his portfolio defensively in anticipation of potential downturns.
Is It Time To Consider Gold?
Given these developments, investors may want to consider gold as a store of value in uncertain times. Gold has continued to make gains in 2024, marking the latest in a string of all-time highs in August – proving its resilience throughout heightened market drawdowns. As concerns over market volatility, regulatory scrutiny and a potential recession grow, gold’s historical role as a hedge against economic uncertainty has proven increasingly attractive amid a turbulent geopolitical landscape.
For those looking to diversify their portfolios with gold, Preserve Gold offers a range of services to facilitate gold investments. The company provides transparent, client-focused service, including secure shipping, hassle-free buyback options, free, insured shipping and price matching to ensure competitive value. Preserve Gold is dedicated to continuous customer education, with a team of Precious Metals Specialists dedicated to assisting clients.
With a focus on transparency and a reputation for reliability, Preserve Gold could be an ideal partner for those looking to add gold to their investment strategy and protect their portfolio.
Get your hands on gold with an IRA or delivered to your door with Preserve Gold!
Featured photo by Zlaťáky.cz on Unsplash.
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