黄金的投资价值如何，现在还能买吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the historical performance of gold, its long-term returns, and factors influencing its price fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of understanding these elements for investment decisions [1][38]. Long-term Returns of Gold - Gold's long-term annualized return, adjusted for inflation, is approximately 0.6% from 1802 to 2021, indicating it has outperformed inflation over time [3][4]. - From 1971 to April 2025, gold's long-term annualized return is significantly higher at 8.6% [6]. Historical Bull and Bear Markets - The first bull and bear market occurred from 1971 to 2000, where gold surged from $37/oz to $850/oz, a 22-fold increase, followed by a 70% decline over the next 20 years [11]. - The second cycle from 2001 to 2016 saw gold rise to $1921/oz during the financial crises, followed by a 44% drop over six years [13]. - Post-2016, gold prices have been on an upward trend due to global uncertainties, including the pandemic and regional conflicts [15]. Volatility and Risk - Gold's volatility is around 28.93%, with a maximum drawdown of approximately 44%, comparable to a mixed fund with 60-70% equity exposure [17]. - Historical bear markets in A-shares have seen declines of up to 71%, indicating gold's risk level is slightly lower than equities but higher than bonds [17]. Factors Influencing Gold Prices - The primary factors affecting gold prices include: 1. U.S. Dollar: The real interest rate (nominal rate minus inflation) significantly impacts gold prices. A decrease in real rates typically leads to higher gold prices [21]. 2. Mining Costs: Current mining costs are around $1500/oz, and prices below this level may indicate a buying opportunity [24]. 3. Geopolitical Risks: Events like regional conflicts and financial crises often drive investors towards gold as a safe haven, increasing its price [25]. Investment Strategies and Considerations - Investment in gold can be categorized into three purposes: 1. Decorative: Jewelry, which has high premiums and is not primarily for investment [32]. 2. Short-term Investment: Gold funds, which are convenient for trading but may have management fees [33]. 3. Long-term Hedge: Physical gold, which serves as a hedge against extreme risks and is typically held long-term [35]. Conclusion - Gold remains a significant asset class for investment, with a long-term return that has improved since the end of the gold standard in 1971 [38]. - Key factors influencing gold prices include real interest rates, mining costs, and geopolitical risks, while its volatility is comparable to a mixed equity fund [39][40].