How wealthy investors bet on gold, from buying fractions of a bar to stashing bullions in Swiss military bunkers-turned-vaults

Core Insights - Gold prices have increased approximately 25% this year, leading to heightened demand and restrictions on purchases at retailers like Costco [2] - A recent HSBC survey indicates that gold allocations among affluent investors have more than doubled from 5% to 11% [2] Group 1: Investor Behavior - High-net-worth individuals are increasingly investing in gold due to its safe-haven appeal amid trade war anxieties and geopolitical tensions [3] - Investors in Asia and the Middle East traditionally allocate 5% to 10% of their portfolios to physical gold or gold-backed investments due to currency fluctuations and high inflation [4] - There is a noticeable increase in U.S. high-net-worth clients seeking to diversify from the depreciating U.S. dollar, finding gold investments simpler to understand [5] Group 2: Investment Options - Futures are popular for short-term gold trading, while physical gold and ETFs are preferred by long-term investors [6] - J.P. Morgan recommends unallocated gold investments, which have lower fees compared to ETFs or allocated bars, allowing clients to invest in fractions starting at $250,000 [7] - Some investors prefer to hold physical gold bars despite higher fees and minimums, reflecting a cautious approach as wealth increases [8]