In Catalonia, more savers are looking at gold as economic uncertainty grows. Global investment in the metal rose 84% in 2025, according to the World Gold Council, while purchases of physical bars and coins increased 16% to a decade high.
The report points to inflation, geopolitical instability and market volatility as key drivers. For many investors, gold is being used as a way to protect savings when shares, deposits and other assets feel less certain.
Gold prices also climbed last year, helped by international tensions, expectations over interest rates and fears of fresh financial turbulence. The World Gold Council says central banks have also kept buying at historically high levels since 2022, as part of wider diversification away from the dollar.
For smaller investors, access has widened. Madrid Gold, a subsidiary of Madrid Vaults, says interest is rising among people with less money to invest. Seamus Fahy, general manager of Madrid Gold and Madrid Vaults, said that a few years ago access to precious metals was more limited, but now people can start with smaller amounts, from €50 or €100.
That shift has also been helped by different ways to buy gold, including small coins, smaller bars, exchange-traded funds backed by physical gold, and digital products linked to the metal. Some analysts also note that younger investors are comparing gold with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, although the assets differ in volatility, regulation and history.
Gold remains a defensive asset, but it is not risk-free. It does not pay dividends or regular income, and its price can move sharply. For readers following the wider market picture, see our news coverage for more Catalonia-wide business and economy updates.
