Investing

A spotlight on gold: The ultimate store of value

Gold has historically been used as a hedge against inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and economic downturns. Key trends:

• 1. Central Bank Buying & Currency Diversification: Global central banks are increasing their gold reserves, signaling a shift away from over-reliance on the U.S. dollar. For the Canadian investor, this structural de-dollarization trend creates a strong, sustained institutional demand for gold, which provides a key anchor for its long-term value against shifting global currency dynamics.
• 2. Hedge Against Trade and Geopolitical Uncertainty: Gold is often viewed as a safe-haven asset in times of stress. Recent trade policies, including tariffs imposed by the U.S. and related geopolitical tensions, have driven increased interest in gold among investors seeking diversification.
• 3. Inflation, Rates, and the Canadian Dollar: Interest rate movements can influence demand for gold. During periods of lower rates or currency weakness, some investors choose gold for its physical nature and the fact that it is not tied to the performance of a company or bond issuer, but instead represents a standalone, tangible asset that can help preserve purchasing power over time.

Why are investors turning to gold and silver in 2026?

It's not the way it glitters. Pick any era, and any country, and there's been one constant across all its change: gold. This reliability is attractive, especially in a world that just keeps moving faster. That's why, throughout 2025's persistent volatility and inflation concerns, many investors turned their attention to this timeless, tangible asset. It's not just for rings and necklaces—it's a sturdy addition to investment portfolios. This guide will show you how.

What are the main ways to trade in precious metals in Canada?

There are four primary ways for Canadians to trade invest:

1. Exchange traded funds (ETFs)

Precious metals ETFs track the price of the metal and can be bought and sold like stocks. However, they typically include a recurring management expense ratio (MER) and don’t provide direct ownership has made modern investors look for more transparent alternatives.

2. Physical bullion

Investors can purchase gold and silver bars or coins directly. This method offers full ownership but comes with added responsibilities like storage, insurance and premiums.

3. Mining stocks and mutual funds

Buying shares in the companies that discover, produce or distribute these metals is another way to get exposure in your portfolio.

4. Digital Vaulted Gold - Introducing Quest Metals

Quest Metals is a new, digital way to trade real vaulted gold, combining the security of a physical asset with the speed and transparency of trading a stock. (Note: Quest Metals is gold-only at launch, but silver and other metals are still available via the Trade Desk.)

• Trade gold: Buy and sell with real-time pricing and instant execution from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.
• Fractional ownership: Start with as little as $5.
• Low, transparent fees: Pay a transparent 0.25% transaction fee (0% for Questrade Plus clients) and no storage fees. No recurring ETF MERs or opaque dealer markups.
• Secure storage: Your gold is stored and secured at the Royal Canadian Mint.
• Digital access: Own physical gold without the paperwork or hassle of physical possession.

What types of investors trade in precious metals?

Precious metals have a home in many different kinds of investors' portfolios, including:

• The diversifier: The most common reason to invest in gold and silver is to diversify a portfolio that is heavily weighted in stocks and bonds. Because precious metals often move independently of the stock market, they can help cushion your portfolio during downturns.
• The long-term thinker: Precious metals are generally not a "get rich quick" asset. Their primary role is long-term wealth preservation. If your savings goals are focused on retirement or protecting your purchasing power against inflation over the next decade or more, the stability of gold and silver can be a strong fit.
• The cautious investor: If you have a moderate or conservative risk tolerance and are concerned about economic uncertainty, precious metals can provide a sense of security that other assets may not.

• Physical Bullion (including Quest Metals): Holding physical gold or silver bars and coins is possible. Quest Metals makes this process simple for gold, allowing you to own vaulted gold directly in registered accounts like a TFSA, RRSP, or RESP. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has strict rules for traditional bullion...
• Choose your approach: If you’re looking for market-based exposure, you can consider low-cost gold ETF or a specific mining stock. If you prefer direct ownership of a physical asset, Quest Metals offers vaulted gold that you can buy and sell directly from the platform. (Physical silver and other metals are still available by calling the Trade Desk.)

Where should you hold precious metals investments?

If you choose to own physical precious metals, you'll want to prioritize finding a secure—and insured—location. But buying shares of precious metals, either through companies or ETFs, has its own set of choices. Where you hold your precious metals investments impacts how your returns are taxed and how much flexibility you have. For Canadian investors, there are two main categories.

Registered accounts (like a TFSA or RRSP)

Registered accounts are government-sponsored accounts that offer significant tax advantages to help you save for your goals.

• The benefit: The primary advantage is tax-sheltered growth. In a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), your investment gains are completely tax-free. In a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), your contributions are tax-deductible, and your investments grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them in retirement.
• What you can hold:
  • Precious metals ETFs and stocks: These are the most common and straightforward way to hold precious metals in a registered account.
  • Physical Bullion (including Quest Metals): Holding physical gold or silver bars and coins is possible but much more complex. Quest Metals makes this process straightforward, allowing you to own vaulted gold, directly in registered accounts like a TFSA, RRSP, or RESP. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has strict rules for traditional bullion. The bullion must meet "investment grade" purity standards and must be purchased directly from the issuer and stored with an approved third-party trustee. You cannot simply buy gold and keep it in a safe deposit box under your RRSP.

Non-registered accounts (Margin or Cash accounts)

These are standard investment accounts with no contribution limits or special government registration and tax benefits.

• The benefit: The main advantage is flexibility. You can contribute as much as you want, whenever you want, and withdraw your funds at any time without penalty. This type of account gives you the freedom to buy and hold precious metals in a wide range of products, including physical bullion that you can take possession of yourself.
• The main consideration: taxes. Unlike in a registered account, any investment gains in a non-registered account are subject to tax. In Canada, 50% of your total capital gains are added to your income for the year and taxed at your marginal rate.

How to buy precious metals with Questrade

You can do it all from a self-directed account, giving you full control over your investments.

1. Open your account: The first step is to open a self-directed investing account entirely online.
2. Fund your account: Once your account is open, you can easily transfer funds from your bank.
3. You can Explore different ways to participate in precious metals:
   • Physical metals: For direct ownership of physical gold, you can buy Quest Metals vaulted gold directly from the platform. (Physical silver and other metals are still available by calling the Trade Desk.)
   • Securities-based options: Buy gold ETF of specific mining stock through the Questrade platform.
4. Place your trade: With just a few clicks, you can place your order to buy your chosen product.

Your portfolio, fortified for the future.

In a world of constant change, adding an asset with a thousand-year history of stability isn't a step backward—it's a strategic move forward. Whether you choose an ETF for market exposure, Quest Metals for real vaulted gold, or the traditional physical bullion, trading investing in precious metals is about more than just diversification. It's about building a stronger, more resilient portfolio, giving you confidence and peace of mind for whatever the future may hold.