Insights

Gold For Australian Investors: A Portfolio Diversifier With Staying Power

22 July 2025

Clive Maguchu, CFA

Senior Strategist

Robin Tsui, CPA, CAIA, CA

APAC Gold Strategist

In this paper we provide an outline of the primary benefits and drawbacks gold may offer portfolios relative to other major asset classes over the long run. We also present a case study to examine how including gold in a hypothetical multi-asset portfolio would impact its risk-return characteristics. Results from this case study highlighted that holding between 2% and 10% of gold between April 2010 and March 2025, improved the hypothetical portfolio’s cumulative return and lowered its maximum drawdowns, as compared to a portfolio without any gold-backed investments. These results may support the case for investors considering gold as part of a strategic allocation framework.

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Disclosure

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is now State Street Investment Management. Please click here for more information.

State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (AFSL Number 238276, ABN 42 003 914 225) (“SSGA Australia”). Registered office: Level 14, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. T: +612 9240-7600. Web: ssga.com.

The views expressed in this commentary are the views of Clive Maguchu and Robin Tsui through the period ended 17 June 2025 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions.

This document may contain certain statements deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, contained within this document that address activities, events or developments that SSGA expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by SSGA in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances, many of which are detailed herein. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks, uncertainties, many of which are beyond SSGA’s control. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

The data displayed for the gold price back-test is a hypothetical example of Back-Tested Performance for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of the past or future performance of any SSGA product. Back-Tested Performance does not represent the results of actual trading but is achieved by means of the retroactive application of a model designed with the benefit of hindsight. Actual performance results could differ substantially, and there is the potential for loss as well as profit. The Back-Tested Performance may not take into account material economic and market factors that would impact the adviser’s actual decision-making. The performance does not reflect management fees, transaction costs, and other fees expenses a client would have to pay. Calculations in AUD.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Investing in commodities entail significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Commodities investing entail significant risk as commodity prices can be extremely volatile due to wide range of factors. A few such factors include overall market movements, real or perceived inflationary trends, commodity index volatility, international, economic and political changes, change in interest and currency exchange rates.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Assets may be considered “safe havens” based on investor perception that an asset’s value will hold steady or climb even as the value of other investments drops during times of economic stress. Perceived safe-haven assets are not guaranteed to maintain value at any time.

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This material is general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy of this material, and SSGA Australia shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSGA Australia’s express written consent.

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