In November 2021, GOLD AVENUE was named the best online gold reseller among the leading Swiss gold dealers🎉.

🥇GOLD AVENUE was awarded Best Gold Reseller 2021!

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 checks the performance of various products, services, and companies to identify the best choice for consumers, and is part of the international Consumer Guidance Group. 

You can read the original text in German here: 

Golddepot und Zollfreilager 2021: Test von Konditionen und Service - SIQT

Below is the article translated into English: 

Precious metals are considered a safe investment that tends to hold value because the scarcity factor often drives their prices up. Precious metals are therefore a good addition to any portfolio, whether it is gold, silver or platinum. But you will often have to find an appropriate way to store them. 

However, for some, investing in gold, silver and other precious metals can be a challenge because one has to make sure they are stored in a safe place. One option is to keep them at home but it’s not always the best choice and might soon become a space problem, especially with silver, which is relatively inexpensive and is usually owned in larger amounts.

For safer storage, there are specialized storage facilities, often called secured vaults that are provided by many precious metals dealers. To make it more attractive for ordinary investors, many dealers also buy back and sell precious metals, both as part of a one-time deal or a precious metals savings plan.

Taxes is another issue that precious metals investors have to deal with and that can be resolved by some precious metals resellers. In and outside Switzerland, silver is subject to VAT, but you can store your silver products in a freeport (

a special kind of port where normal tax and customs rules do not apply

The Swiss Institute for Quality Tests looked at different precious metals resellers and the services they provide. In total, we compared eight Swiss dealers that store and sell precious metals:

The following areas were examined as part of our comprehensive test: 

Website security and terms and conditions:

 here, we checked the trustworthiness of each precious metals reseller, including the SLL encryption of their websites as well as clarity and transparency of the information they provide. This category was rated at 5%. 

Precious metals storage, savings plan, and freeports: 

in this category, we looked at the services and, if applicable, the purchase and buyback prices of certain precious metals (gold, silver, platinum). It would be reasonable to buy precious metals via a reseller instead of moving your gold (or silver...) to a secure storage facility by yourself.

Each of these categories was rated at 25% (or higher if one of the services was not provided by a dealer).

 as investing in precious metals often requires substantial planning and funds, precious metals resellers should provide accessible and professional customer service. Each participant of this test underwent mystery checks (

via a mystery shopper hired to pose as a customer and report on the quality of service received

). This testing category was ranked at 20%.

A precious metals savings plan is offered only by Liechtensteiner SWM AG, which scored 91% in this category. Of course, you can create your own savings plan but it probably won’t be as efficient as the one tied to a specific product. 

When it comes to a custodial savings account (

a financial account set up for the benefit of a beneficiary, and administered by a responsible person

), regardless of whether it is a gold, silver, or platinum custodial account, it is important to pay attention to the minimum storage value, the ongoing administration fees, and insurance. 

Also, examine the fine print before signing up for a service. For example, one precious metals reseller says in fine print: 

“it is ... free to determine the value of your stored precious metals and to insure them ... even partially."

Freeports are very similar to secure vaults but keep in mind that certain customs rules apply [when storing in freeports]. 

Overall, Goldavenue SA is the winner of the test. It offers very low management and storage fees for smaller products under CHF 100,000. With bigger amounts, too, Goldavenue is ahead of the game (Geiger and Degussa also offer reasonable prices for gold).

But a precious metals savings plan is offered only by SWM AG Lichtenstein, so it’s suitable for those looking for [financial] planning services. 

When it comes to gold and precious metals storage, Goldavenue comes ahead of Rheingold. As for freeports, Philoro Switzerland and SWM AG have also shown very good results.

Pro Aurum Switzerland is the winner in the customer service category, while Goldavenue and Geiger Edelmetalle come second and third, respectively.

The results in each testing category can be found in the table below.

table ranking the best precious metal dealers

Gold offers several powerful advantages as a store of value. Discover why more and more investors are turning to this precious metal.

What are the advantages of gold compared to other investments?

A look at the strong changes in demand in the gold sector y-o-y.

A Shift in Gold Demand Trends

Good thing central banks can't print gold. 😉

21.9% Annual Inflation... and Counting

Despite slowing down, the frenzy around silver has kept prices up, and demand for physical bars and coins strong, while doubts over the state of the silver stocks emerge. Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

Is Silver Setting the Stage for a Breakout?

We are thrilled to announce that our CEO Alessandro Soldati was invited for an open and lively discussion on a popular YouTube channel Frugalisme et Liberte Financiere.

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17/02/22: The European Central Bank could raise interest rates in 2022, the gold price goes up as tensions over Ukraine resurface, Switzerland lifts most Covid-19 restrictions. And more.

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#Silversqueeze 2.0?                         

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Meet GOLD AVENUE CEO, Alessandro Soldati, in our first Q&A video session!

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The Fed desperately wants higher inflation that would exceed its 2% target. Will the ECB follow the lead? It looks like it. 

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24/02/22: Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the S&P is in a correction for the first time since the 2020 Wall Street plunge, gold hits a 20-month high. And more. 

Weekly digest: Ukraine Crisis, Markets Shaken, Gold’s Up

Russia’s decision to remove the US dollar assets from its sovereign wealth fund and partially replace them by gold boosts the yellow metal’s importance as a strategic asset.

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After yet another central bank starts considering negative interest rates, we’re taking a look at how unlimited debt can impact physical gold investment.

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World markets have taken a hit as the Russian invasion of Ukraine spooked investors around the globe. Here’s what you can do right now to protect your investment portfolio and gold savings.

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You probably noticed certain industries and communities aren’t bouncing back as quickly as others during times of recession or economic crisis. That’s what the K-shaped recovery is all about.

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03/03/22: Markets are on a wild rollercoaster ride, Eurozone inflation at a record high, Russia intensifies its invasion of Ukraine, gold proves itself as a safe haven. And more.

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The #silversqueeze movement took the investment world by storm and has the potential of shaking up the silver market. Will it be here for the long term?

#silversqueeze

Here’s a rare sneak peek into one of the world’s biggest gold refineries. 

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10/03/22: Gold and palladium hit a record high, oil records its worst day since November, Biden signs an executive order on crypto. And more. 

Weekly digest: Metals on the Rise, Oil Drops, Crypto Order

In 2021, central banks continued buying gold, with emerging countries stepping up as key net buyers. Do you wonder why? Here’s what you need to know.

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With inflation soaring in Europe and the U.S, learn how to navigate higher consumer prices from this great personal finance video from Sorelle Amore.

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17/03/22: The Fed has raised interest rates for the 1st time since 2018, one of Brazil’s biggest funds goes for gold, E.U.'s rethinking gas supplies. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed’s 1st Rate Hike, Gold in Demand

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, investors rushed to gold, the world’s oldest safe-haven asset, pushing its price to a new record. Why did this happen? Here’s what you need to know. 

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On August 15, 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon possibly made the biggest monetary error in history. A video from Libre & Riche will tell you why.

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24/07/22: The U.K. hit by the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, Powell finally admits inflation is “much too high”, European stocks drop. And more.

Weekly Digest: Cost of Living Crisis, Inflation Problem

The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced its first interest rate hike since 2018. What could this mean for the gold price? Here’s what you need to know. 

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31/03/22: European inflation soars to new heights, Russia resumes gold purchases, no breakthrough seen in Ukraine war despite renewed peace talks. And more. 

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It seems that the ongoing US presidential election has not changed the situation in the gold market so far as the macro backdrop remains quite favorable to the yellow metal.

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How Do You Buy Physical Gold Bars? 

The backdrop of global inflation in the U.S. and Europe was already worrying. Now, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is making the situation even worse, including sending gas prices soaring to record levels. Here’s what you need to know.

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07/04/22: More and more people are worried about rising consumer prices, experts think the U.S. recession is inevitable, cryptocurrencies are facing some privacy issues. And more.

Weekly Digest: Inflation Worries, U.S. Recession

It looks like stagflation could be here soon. Here’s what you need to know to understand the economic phenomenon that stifled growth through the 1970s.

What Is Stagflation and Why Should We Worry About It?

14/4/22: U.S. inflation hit 8.5% in March, the highest since 1981, EU ban on Russian gas could spark a sharp recession in Germany, Ukraine peace talks “at a dead end.” And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation at 40-Year High, German Recession Risk 

Leading world banks say we should get ready for a new recession shock. What does it mean exactly, and what investments might be the best place to stash your hard-earned money?

Recession Risk is Rising, Economists Say. Here's What It Means for Investors

21/04/2022: The IMF cuts its global economic growth forecast, UN says the war in Ukraine could create a global food crisis “beyond anything seen since World War II,” Macron and Le Pen fight for the presidency. And more.

Weekly Digest: IMF Cuts Growth Forecast, Hunger Threat

If you are a parent, you probably want to find the best way to set your kids up for financial success. Here’s how your gold savings will help you start building their lifelong wealth.

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Easy is always right. Especially when it comes to buying precious metals. If you still don’t know what’s the easiest way to buy gold, you’re in the right place.

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28/4/22: Russia halts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, the Fed is set for more aggressive rate hikes to tame inflation, Musk seals the deal to buy Twitter. And more.

Weekly Digest: Russia’s Gas Cutoff, Musk’s Twitter Deal

If your children are the lucky ones to get a hoard of gold as an inheritance, there are 4 things you should do before passing it on to them.

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04/05/22: The Fed is set to fight inflation with the fastest rate hikes in decades, Fitch trims China’s 2022 growth forecast amid Covid-19 lockdowns, two Argentinian banks will allow crypto trading. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed Rate Hike, Cuts to China’s Growth Forecast 

Here are the 4 handy tips you can immediately put into practice when buying physical gold for the first time.

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Swissmint made history as they issued their first-ever 50-franc Vreneli gold coin on May 11, 2022, making a very special coin even more popular in Switzerland and beyond.

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12/05/22: U.S. inflation stays at a 40-year high, defying expectations of a bigger drop, crypto and stocks fall, reacting to the U.S. inflation data. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation, Stocks, Crypto Crash

The end of Bretton Woods seems to be an essential reason behind the widening of the productivity-pay gap that reveals gold's influence as a source of stability.

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A quick overview of the performance of gold versus some of the major commodities for the first half of 2020.

🔥 Gold VS Commodities 🔥

You read in the press that persistently high inflation has finally peaked and should be going down soon. But the latest CPI numbers show it might not be entirely true. Here’s why.

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19/05/22: U.S. stocks post the biggest daily drop in almost two years, Sri Lanka default hints at troubles ahead for developing nations, E.U. slashes growth forecast. And more.

Weekly Digest: Dow Tumbles, Food Inflation Getting Worse

Since the start of 2022, the stock market has been on a wild ride, while gold was close to hitting a new record high in March. Which has performed better so far? We guess you already know.🙃

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While the Fed is taking a dovish stance, investors are fearing a real rise in inflation in the near future.

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25/05/2022: U.S. stocks slumped again amid economic data, the global food crisis risks causing a “messy” migration in Europe, Bitcoin could fall to $8,000. And more.

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02/06/22: The Eurozone inflation hits a new record high, JPMorgan Chase CEO warns of the economic hurricane, EU leaders agree to ban most Russian crude imports. And more. 

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09/06/22: The OECD has lowered its growth forecast for this year, Eurozone inflation is expected to peak, U.K. economy is facing stagnation. And more.

Weekly Digest: OECD Cuts Growth Forecast, EU Inflation to Peak

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Thanks to GOLD AVENUE, Tibo InShape was able to enter the famous gold refinery MKS PAMP. Watch the video and follow Tibo in his discovery of gold!

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16/06/22: Fed announced a historic rate hike, a U.S. recession is looming, bitcoin is plunging, U.K. economy is shrinking, China’s contact with aliens. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Big Fed Hike, Recession Fears, Gold Could Soar

GOLD AVENUE’s CEO Alessandro Soldati was selected by Bilan magazine as one of French-speaking Switzerland's most promising young entrepreneurs.

Bilan Chooses GOLD AVENUE Among Switzerland’s Top Young Startups

If you are considering buying silver bars and coins, there are a few things you need to know first about one of the world’s most valuable and accessible precious metals.

Investing in Silver: A Beginner’s Guide

Country-specific guides to understand gold as an investment in 2021 from the World Gold Council.

The relevance of gold as a strategic asset: 2021

Famous precious metal skeptic buys gold as a hedge against accelerating inflation which he says is “reminiscent of the 1970s”.

Lifelong Gold Skeptic Makes Major U-Turn

23/06/22: The stock market dropped as recession fears grow, UK inflation hits a new 40-year high, Bitcoin could plunge to a low of $13,000. And more.

Weekly Digest: Stock Rally Fizzles, Recession Risk

While stocks and bitcoin went down sharply due to rising inflation and uncertain economic outlook, gold has retained its value, exactly when investors and savers needed it. 

Bitcoin, stocks, gold: What is the best investment today?

29/06/22: Morgan Stanley sees a mild recession coming to the Eurozone this year, G7 countries agree to ban gold imports from Russia, German inflation eases. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Eurozone Recession, Ban on Russian Gold

What does the future hold for gold? Here are the 4 trends that could make the yellow metal shine in the nearest future.

Is the price of gold going up next year? 4 main drivers explained

07/07/2022: Gold drops over 2% in a selloff sparked by a strong dollar, U.K.'s Johnson is expected to step down, higher interest rates are unlikely to solve the inflation problem. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Gold Inches Down, Johnson to Resign 

A gold hunt story that captivated thousands and inspired a decade-long obsession with the famous Forrest Fenn treasure.

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14/07/22: U.S. inflation accelerates to 9.1%, Europe is on high alert over Russia’s gas squeeze, NASA reveals the most detailed pictures of deep space ever taken. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation Soars, Russia’s Gas Squeeze

Gold has been with us since pretty much the dawn of civilization, and yet there have been a number of harmful myths surrounding this precious metal.

5 Myths About Gold Investment

This is the incredible story of one of the biggest gold scandals in history which started in Canada and ended in the depths of the Borneo jungle.

The Biggest Gold Mining Scandal in History

As the Fed raises interest rates and Russia squeezes gas supplies to Europe, it looks like the global economy is slowly but surely drifting into a recession. Will it happen by the end of 2022, and what does it mean for gold? 

Is a Recession Coming in 2022? 

If you are a beginner investor, choosing the right time to buy physical gold and silver may not look like an easy task. But in reality, it’s quite simple. Especially if you know the right investment strategy.

Is It a Good Time to Buy Gold?

Is today’s rising inflation mimicking a time when a sudden jump in inflation took investors by surprise? Top economic historian Niall Ferguson might have the answer.

Where is Inflation Going? An Economic Historian Gives His Answer

30/07/22: The Fed jacks rates again, signaling no surrender in inflation battle, Russia limits gas flows to Europe, IMF says the world could soon be on the verge of a recession. And more.

Weekly Digest: Fed Rate Hike, Russia-EU Energy Standoff Deepens

Did you know that gold came to Earth from outer space and grows on trees? If not, take a look at some interesting facts about the shiny metal. Some of them sound too unbelievable to be true.

13 Interesting Facts About Gold You Probably Didn't Know

06/08/22: Pelosi is full of support for Taiwan during the visit that infuriated China, the Fed is nowhere near done with its inflation fight, thousands of Solana crypto wallets were hacked. And more. 

Weekly Digest: Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip, Massive Crypto Hack

Although economic downturns are a normal part of the economic cycle, you should still be prepared for them when they occur. Here are 5 tips to set you on the path.

How to Prepare for a Recession: 5 Things You Need to Know

13/08/22: U.S. inflation came out lower than expected in July but price pressures remain strong, the Fed says more rate hikes are needed, over 60 countries are struggling to afford food imports. And more.

Weekly Digest: U.S. Inflation Runs Cooler, Pressure on Fed to Ease Hikes

Fort Knox holds more secrets than we will ever know, but the biggest one is: how much gold, if any, is there in America’s most famous bullion bunker?

The Golden Secret of Fort Knox 

The Russian central bank has announced it now holds more gold than U.S. dollars in its reserve, striking a blow to the American currency and confirming Putin’s strategy of exiting the greenback.

From Russia with Love

Can central banks keep printing money forever, no matter how deep into the red a country goes? In this new world, nothing is certain.

Central Banks Vs. The Old World