What are the best gold stocks for beginners?

Newmont (NEM) and Barrick Gold (GOLD) are well-established, widely traded and pay dividends -- ideal for new investors.

Are gold stocks safer than regular stocks?

They can be more stable during downturns, but they’re still tied to gold prices and operational risks.

Do gold stocks pay dividends?

Yes, many do. Dividends vary by company and gold price performance.

Is now a good time to invest in gold stocks?

If you’re looking for a hedge against uncertainty or inflation, gold stocks could be a timely addition to your portfolio.

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Best Gold Stocks to Watch or Invest In Right Now

May 23, 2025

4 min Read

Written by Rudri Patel

Edited by Joe Evans

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Gold has always been a go-to during times of uncertainty — and 2025 is no exception.

As inflation pressures, geopolitical tensions and interest rate swings continue to shake investor confidence, many are turning to the best gold stocks to protect their portfolios and potentially grow their wealth.

Whether you’re a beginner investor or a seasoned trader looking for a hedge, this guide breaks down the top gold stocks to watch right now and why they’re worth your attention.

Best Gold Stocks in 2025

Here are some of the top-performing and most promising gold stocks you can keep on your radar this year:

Company	Ticker	Market Cap	Dividend Yield	One-Year Return	Why It Stands Out
Newmont Corporation	NEM	$35 Billion	~3.7%	+4.5%	Largest gold miner in the world with diversified operations
Barrick Gold	GOLD	$30 Billion	~2.5%	+6.3%	Strong reserves and focus on cost-efficient production
Franco-Nevada Corp.	FNV	$20 Billion	~1.1%	+7.2%	Royalty model means lower risk, steady cash flow
Agnico Eagle Mines	AEM	$22 Billion	~3.2%	+5.0%	High-quality assets in stable regions
Wheaton Precious Metals	WPM	$17 Billion	~1.3%	+6.7%	Diversified streaming company with exposure beyond gold

Why Invest in Gold Stocks?

Gold stocks offer unique benefits you won’t find in traditional equities:

Inflation hedge: Gold often holds or gains value as the dollar weakens.
Safe haven: Investors tend to flock to gold during financial turmoil.
Income potential: Many gold companies offer dividends.
Exposure to commodity growth: When gold prices rise, mining profits surge.

Unlike physical gold, stocks also offer easier trading and the possibility for capital appreciation.

Gold Stocks vs. Other Investment Options

Investment Type	Risk Level	Growth Potential	Volatility	Liquidity
Gold Stocks	Medium	High (linked to gold price)	Medium-High	High
Physical Gold	Low-Medium	Low	Low	Medium (if stored privately)
Gold ETFs	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Tech Stocks	High	High	High	High

Gold stocks combine the hedging potential of gold with the upside of equities — ideal for investors seeking both protection and growth.

Risks of Investing in Gold Stocks

No investment is without risk. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Commodity price dependency: Gold stocks rise and fall with gold prices.
Operational risk: Mining companies face issues like regulation, labor disputes and natural disruptions.
Dividend variability: Dividends can be cut during down cycles.
Currency fluctuations: Especially for companies operating in multiple countries.

A balanced portfolio should consider how gold fits with other asset classes.

Key Trends Shaping Gold Stocks in 2025

Several trends are supporting bullish sentiment for gold stocks this year:

Central bank buying: Governments continue to stockpile gold.
Geopolitical tension: Conflict and unrest often boost safe-haven demand.
Inflation concerns: Even with interest rate changes, inflation remains sticky.
Sustainability and ESG focus: Top companies are improving environmental practices and governance transparency.

These factors make gold stocks more than just a defensive play — they’re part of a modern, resilient investment strategy.

How to Buy Gold Stocks

Ready to invest in the best gold stocks? Here’s how to get started:

Choose a brokerage – Use platforms like Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab or Robinhood.
Search the ticker symbol – Examples: NEM, GOLD, FNV.
Do your research – Look at the company’s reserves, cash flow, dividend history and region of operation.
Start small – Many brokers now offer fractional shares.
Diversify – Consider a mix of miners, streamers and royalty companies — or even gold ETFs for broad exposure.

Final Take to GO: Should You Invest in Gold Stocks Now?

In a world of market uncertainty, the best gold stocks offer a way to add resilience and long-term value to your portfolio. With strong dividends, inflation protection and exposure to a timeless asset, these stocks are worth watching — or owning — right now.

Next steps? Open a brokerage account, research your options, and start building a balanced portfolio with gold as your anchor.

Looking to go deeper? Check out our guide to investing in commodities or how to choose dividend-paying stocks for more tips.

FAQs: Best Gold Stocks

Learn more about the best gold stocks so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to include them in your portfolio.

What are the best gold stocks for beginners?
- Newmont (NEM) and Barrick Gold (GOLD) are well-established, widely traded and pay dividends -- ideal for new investors.
Are gold stocks safer than regular stocks?
- They can be more stable during downturns, but they’re still tied to gold prices and operational risks.
Do gold stocks pay dividends?
- Yes, many do. Dividends vary by company and gold price performance.
Is now a good time to invest in gold stocks?
- If you’re looking for a hedge against uncertainty or inflation, gold stocks could be a timely addition to your portfolio.

Information is accurate as of May 23, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

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