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The simplest and fastest way to invest in precious metals is by opening an unallocated metal account, or UMA. This option is suitable for those who do not want to deal with the physical storage of gold. The process of buying virtual gold is extremely simple: through a banking app, you can transfer funds from your current account to a special 'gold' account and purchase the required amount of metal.
| Term | Description |
| Spread | The difference between the buying and selling price of an asset, in this case, a precious metal. |
The simplest and fastest way to invest in precious metals is by opening an unallocated metal account, or UMA. This option is suitable for those who do not want to deal with the physical storage of gold. The process of buying virtual gold is extremely simple: through a banking app, you can transfer funds from your current account to a special 'gold' account and purchase the required amount of metal.
However, despite the convenience, UMAs carry certain risks that must be considered.
Buying physical gold bars is one of the most reliable ways to invest. Although a culture of regularly purchasing gold has not yet formed in Russia, one can start small. The cost of one gram is approximately 9,500-10,000 rubles, making this type of investment accessible to many.
It's important to develop a habit of regularly acquiring gold. You can start by buying one gram each month, gradually increasing the amount to 5 or 10 grams. This strategy fosters a responsible approach to savings and, over time, allows you to build a significant gold reserve. There is a saying that 'gold attracts gold': the more of the asset you have, the easier it is to multiply it.
You can store the bars at home or in any other convenient place. To preserve their value, it is recommended to keep them in protective cases and be sure to save all accompanying documents.
The authenticity of each bar can be verified using the QR code on the certificate, which links to the state information system GIS DMDK. The packaging of the bars is vacuum-sealed and should not be opened.
| Coin Type | Features |
| Bullion | State-guaranteed metal weight. Issued in large mintages (tens and hundreds of thousands), so they are not considered rare. They are easier to sell. |
| Commemorative (Numismatic) | Minted for important historical dates. Mintages are small (from 100 to 25,000 pieces). Their main value is collectible. Investing in them is riskier but potentially more profitable. |
For those looking for a more interesting option than standard bars, gold or silver coins are suitable. They come in two main types: bullion and commemorative. This is a compact asset that is easy to store, for example, in a safe. Additionally, a coin can make a stylish and valuable gift.
The cost of coins is usually higher than the pure price of the metal they contain, as it includes production costs and a bank markup. When selling back, the bank will buy the coin at a discount, which can be as high as 30%. Therefore, coins require very careful storage in special capsules or cases, as any scratches or dents immediately reduce their value.
Finding a collector willing to pay a high price for a rare commemorative coin is not always easy. Banks, on the other hand, only accept such coins at their face value, which is unprofitable for the investor.
Trading precious metals on the stock exchange is the most advanced method, ideal for investors seeking to maximize profits from the difference between buying and selling prices. The main advantage of the exchange is minimal commissions, which makes transactions more profitable compared to banks and UMAs.
As with UMAs, the investor does not receive the metal physically—it is also a virtual purchase. To trade on the exchange, you need to open a special brokerage account. Another important advantage is the ability to use an Individual Investment Account (IIA), which entitles you to tax benefits.
However, this method has its downsides. Not all brokers provide access to precious metals trading, and difficulties may arise if you need to switch brokers. Unlike securities, metals cannot simply be transferred from one account to another—they must be sold and bought again.
It is important to remember that investments on the stock exchange, like UMAs, are not protected by the insurance system. If a broker loses their license, there is a risk of losing assets. In essence, the exchange is similar to a UMA but offers more favorable conditions due to low commissions, while requiring the investor to put more effort into studying the market and choosing a reliable broker.
