Business News: Gold has traditionally been recognized as a primary store of value, as stressed by famed banker J.P. Morgan, who famously declared, “Gold is money, all the rest is credit.” As global economies face financial difficulties, gold prices continue to soar, recently topping Rs. 86,000 per 24 carat. To ensure economic stability, both developed and emerging economies are actively expanding their gold reserves. Central banks, particularly India’s Reserve Bank (RBI), have dramatically increased their gold holdings, which currently total 876 tons. This increased reliance on gold emphasizes its importance in maintaining currency stability, minimizing financial risks, and protecting national economies from possible crisis.
Gold's significance goes beyond its value; it acts as a hedge against economic downturns and geopolitical crises. Countries with considerable gold reserves have better financial security because gold serves as collateral for international loans from agencies such as the IMF and the World Bank. The 2008 financial crisis indicated that countries with bigger gold reserves had less currency devaluation. Furthermore, with rising trade tensions—such as the United States applying tariffs to counter China’s economic growth—gold has emerged as an important financial safeguard. Its ability to hedge against inflation and currency depreciation makes it a valuable asset in an era of economic uncertainty.