Based on spot price data from January 1970 through February 2010, the average return on gold bullion was almost exactly the same as the S&P 500 at 88 basis points per month. Volatility was significantly greater for gold, but since gold prices tended to zig when equity prices zagged over this period, a portfolio composed of 80% stocks and 20% gold (rebalanced annually) had lower volatility than either of its component parts. Doesn't portfolio theory suggest that gold can make a useful contribution? (Read the full entry)
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