US Millennial Gold Rush: Mirage or Reality?

Amidst rising economic concerns, Americans, particularly millennials, are increasingly investing in gold. A recent Costco purchase of a gold bar by young shoppers sparked discussion about the trend, supported by a State Street study claiming millennials allocate 17% of their investments to gold. However, the study's methodology, based on an online poll of gold company affiliates, raises questions about the accuracy of this figure.

The Millennial Gold Rush: Is it Real or a Statistical Mirage?

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal painted a vivid picture of millennials flocking to Costco to purchase gold bars amid fears of economic uncertainty. The anecdotes of Craig Beauregard and Julia Edwards, who stumbled upon a bargain-priced ounce of gold, seem to support the notion of a growing trend among the younger generation toward investing in the precious metal. However, upon closer examination, the evidence presented falls short of establishing a definitive trend.

The Journal's attempt to corroborate the isolated examples of Beauregard and Edwards with additional anecdotes and a questionable study raises concerns about the validity of the conclusions drawn. The study cited, conducted by State Street, claims that the "average millennial allocates 17% of their investments to gold," a figure derived from an online poll of 1,000 individuals with $250,000 in investments, of whom only 25% were millennials. This methodology raises red flags, as it relies on a small sample size and a self-selected group who may not be representative of the millennial population at large.

Furthermore, the Journal's narrative overlooks the inherent limitations of gold as an investment. While gold has historically served as a store of value, its drawbacks as an asset class cannot be ignored. It is difficult to spend, especially in smaller transactions, and its liquidity is limited compared to other investments. Additionally, gold is subject to sales tax in many jurisdictions, further eroding its value.

In contrast, Bitcoin, often touted as a digital alternative to gold, offers several advantages. Its divisibility makes it suitable for a wider range of transactions, and its liquidity is vastly superior, allowing for easier buying and selling. While Bitcoin's value has been more volatile than gold in the past, recent trends show a promising recovery, with no investor who has held Bitcoin for three years suffering a loss.

The question of whether to invest in gold or Bitcoin remains a matter of personal preference and circumstances. However, it is crucial to base investment decisions on sound evidence and a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each asset class. The anecdotal evidence presented in the Wall Street Journal article does not provide sufficient support for the claim that millennials are embracing gold as a significant investment, and further research is necessary to determine the true extent of this alleged trend.

In the meantime, investors should exercise caution when considering gold as a hedge against economic uncertainty and weigh its drawbacks against the potential advantages of other investments, such as Bitcoin, before making any commitments.