This one Costco item has skyrocketed 108% in price over just 2 years. Now the retail giant is restricting purchases

Core Insights - Costco has started selling 1-ounce gold bars, with prices for the PAMP Suisse and Rand Refinery bars at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99 respectively in late 2023, indicating strong initial demand [2] - By December 2025, the price of the PAMP Suisse bar surged to $4,119.99, reflecting a 108% increase, while the broader gold market rose approximately 65% during the same period [3] - The demand for gold remains robust, with Costco implementing purchase restrictions of one transaction per membership and a maximum of four units per 24 hours [4] Industry Trends - Gold is increasingly viewed as a means to preserve purchasing power and a safe haven during economic and geopolitical uncertainties, leading to heightened investor interest [5] - Current market conditions, characterized by tariff uncertainties and rising deficits, have contributed to gold's status as a strong investment option [6] - Experts, including Ray Dalio, emphasize the importance of gold in investment portfolios, especially during turbulent times, with gold prices peaking at $4,371.78 per ounce in October [7]