If You Invested $1K in Gold 10 Years Ago, How Much Would You Have Today?

Core Insights - Gold has shown a significant increase in value over the past decade, with an average closing price of $1,159 per ounce ten years ago, rising to approximately $4,200 per ounce today, representing a 262% increase [3] - In comparison, the S&P 500 index rose 174% over the same period, indicating that while gold has outperformed stocks in terms of percentage increase, the volatility of gold's returns has been greater [3] - The historical performance of gold has been uneven, with an average annual return of 40.2% during the 1970s following the end of the dollar's gold backing, but only 4.4% from 1980 to 2023 [4][5] Investment Characteristics - Gold is often viewed as a safe-haven investment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty, as it does not generate revenue like traditional investments such as stocks and real estate [6][7] - The current price of gold futures as of October 19, 2025, is approximately $4,345, indicating a continued upward trend in gold prices [5]