Persistent inflation, purchasing power under pressure, international conflicts… The concerns of the French are now reflected in their way of saving. According to a study carried out by OpinionWay For AuTRUCK, 74% of them say they are concerned about the economic situation and 78% consider a major economic or financial crisis likely in the next five years. At the same time, 77% believe that French public debt represents a risk for their savings, while 70% fear that in the event of a major crisis, the State could restrict access to their money.
This distrust directly benefits gold. One in four French people, or 25%, consider that this is the investment that will best preserve their purchasing power over the next twenty years, ahead of real estate (21%) And the euro (10%). In the event of economic depression, 56% French people would also choose gold rather than cryptocurrencies. Already owned by one in five French peoplethe precious metal thus confirms its status as safe haven.
“Gold has over 5,000 years of history as a store of value”
For Arnaud Kyotwealth management advisor, this return to favor can be explained above all by theaccumulation of crises. “For several years, the French have been faced with a decline in their purchasing power, but also with successive crises: Covid, war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East… This accumulation feeds a feeling of uncertainty which naturally pushes savers towards assets perceived as more secure. »
The expert also recalls that gold benefits from a single status in economic history. “Gold has more 5,000 years of history as a store of value. No fiat currency has survived the centuries for so long. This explains why it is still considered an asset capable of retaining its value over time. » Unlike stocks or bonds, physical gold is a tangible asset, less correlated to financial markets. On the other hand, it does not generate interest or dividends.
Asked about the comparison with other investments, Arnaud Kyot believes that Booklet A no longer constitutes a real protection against inflation today. “Its yield no longer covers the rise in prices. » Faced with cryptocurrencies, it also highlights the lower volatility of gold. “Cryptos can have their place in a portfolio for informed investors, but gold remains an asset for diversification and wealth protection. The objective is not to invest all of one’s assets there, but to hold part of it to diversify one’s investments. »
A more accessible placement that appeals to young people
Far from being reserved for large assets, gold is accessible to a wide audience. According to the study, 38% of holders have invested less than 2,000 eurosof which 19% less than 500 euroswhile 18% of French people plan to buy them over the next twelve months. Under 35s are even the most numerous to have them (41%against 10% over 50).
For Arnaud Kyot, this democratization is explained in particular by the development of parts and ingots, but also by the renewed interest in gold jewelry and family transmission. “From approximately 200 eurosyou can already buy coins or small fractional bars. » However, he distinguishes physical goldintended above all to protect its heritage, paper gold (ETF, certificates, etc.), used more to gain exposure to changes in the price of the metal.
Before investing, some precautions remain essential. The advisor recommends favoring approved sellersto keep the metal in its sealed packagingwhich guarantees its traceability and facilitates its resale, and to be wary of purchases made from unidentified sellers on peer-to-peer platforms. “Buying from a recognized professional helps limit the risk of counterfeiting”he concludes. In an environment still marked by economic uncertainties, gold thus finds a place of choice in a wealth diversification strategy, without constituting a universal solution.
