Australian Gold Performance Compared to Major Asset Classes
In the ever-evolving landscape of investment options, understanding how gold performs against traditional assets is essential for making informed decisions. At Karat.au, we’ve developed a comprehensive comparison tool that illuminates gold’s historical performance relative to other key Australian investment classes.
Why Compare Gold to Other Assets?
Gold has long held a unique position in investment portfolios—valued not just for its potential returns, but for its historical role as a store of value during economic uncertainty. Our Gold vs Other Assets Performance Tool offers clear, factual insights into how Australian gold has performed against the ASX 200, property, bonds, and currency across multiple time horizons.
Gold vs Other Assets Historical Performance Comparison
Compare the historical performance of gold against major Australian asset classes. View average annual returns, cumulative growth, and long-term patterns.
| Asset Class | 10-Year Avg. Annual Return | 20-Year Avg. Annual Return | 30-Year Avg. Annual Return | 50-Year Avg. Annual Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 4.8% | 8.9% | 6.2% | 7.4% |
| ASX 200 (Stocks) | 8.7% | 9.1% | 9.4% | 10.2% |
| Australian Real Estate | 6.1% | 6.4% | 6.7% | 7.1% |
| Australian Bonds | 2.8% | 4.0% | 5.1% | 6.0% |
| Australian Dollar Index | 1.5% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.4% |
Note: Data reflects historical average returns through October 2024. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Sources: RBA, ASX, CoreLogic, World Gold Council, ABS.
This interactive visualisation allows you to:
- Compare average annual returns across 10, 20, 30, and 50-year periods
- Examine cumulative growth patterns to understand long-term performance
- View detailed data tables with precise figures for thorough analysis
- Switch easily between different visualisation methods to suit your preferences
Understanding the Data
The tool presents three complementary perspectives:
Annual Returns: Examine the year-by-year percentage returns for each asset class during your selected timeframe, highlighting gold’s performance during different economic cycles.
Cumulative Growth: Visualise the total percentage growth over entire periods, demonstrating how compounding affects long-term investment outcomes and where gold fits in this picture.
Data Table: Access comprehensive numerical breakdowns for investors who prefer precision and detail in their analysis.
Making Sense of What You See
While the ASX 200 has historically delivered strong long-term growth (10.2% over 50 years), gold has maintained a respectable 7.4% over the same period—outperforming bonds (6.0%) and showcasing its resilience as both a growth asset and a potential hedge.
During periods of economic volatility, you’ll notice gold often performs contrary to traditional equity markets, highlighting its value as a portfolio diversifier. This countercyclical behaviour is what makes gold particularly valuable in a diversified investment strategy.
Beyond the Numbers
Remember that these historical figures reflect past performance through October 2024. As Australians, we understand our unique economic landscape and how local factors influence investment performance. This tool provides context specifically relevant to the Australian market, incorporating data from the RBA, ASX, CoreLogic, and the World Gold Council.
Your Next Steps
Use this tool as a starting point in your investment research journey. Consider how gold’s performance characteristics might complement your existing portfolio, align with your financial goals, and suit your risk tolerance.
Disclaimer: This tool provides historical data for informational purposes only. Karat.au does not provide financial advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Gold Investment Tools
DISCLAIMER: Tools provided for informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
