GoldvsS&P 500
Which asset better protects your retirement savings? We compare physical gold against S&P 500 (SPY) on returns, risk, and inflation protection.
Physical Gold
Physical gold bullion, the ultimate store of value for 5,000 years.
S&P 500
The benchmark index tracking 500 largest US companies. Paper wealth tied to corporate earnings and Fed policy.
Performance Comparison
| Metric | Gold | S&P 500 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Return | 13.2% | 24.2% | SPY |
| 5-Year Return | 10.8% | 14.8% | SPY |
| 10-Year Return | 8.4% | 12.1% | SPY |
| Volatility (Lower = Better) | 15.2% | 18.5% | GOLD |
| Max Drawdown (Smaller = Better) | -44% | -56% | GOLD |
| Inflation Protection | 0.68 | -0.12 | GOLD |
The Verdict: Gold vs S&P 500
While S&P 500 may offer higher short-term returns, gold provides superior wealth protection for retirees. Gold's lower volatility, better inflation correlation, and zero counterparty risk make it the smarter choice for preserving purchasing power.
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