Gold shines again

Banks are structuring tailor-made gold products for private clients in response to increased interest in the commodity as an alternative asset class

Interest in gold as an alternative asset class is surging among private investors who are looking to diversify away from poor returns in equity and debt markets and move into commodity-related investments. The argument for investing in gold is helped by the fact that the price per ounce has risen to $320 today from $256 in September 1999, and some analysts say the price is set to rise even more. Andrew Popper, group head of portfolio management at SG Hambros in London, says: “In the past –