The Hot Sale of Costco Gold Bars: Modern Changes in Gold Investment and New Opportunities with Gate Digital

At Costco, besides stacks of everyday items, an unexpected product is causing a rush on the shelves—1-ounce gold bars. Reports indicate that 1-ounce gold bars from PAMP Suisse and Rand Refinery are usually sold out within a few hours after hitting the Costco website.

Meanwhile, on digital asset exchanges like Gate, gold investment is undergoing a transformation that is more efficient and flexible. As of January 7, 2026, the spot gold price is approximately $4,449.63 per ounce.

01 Traditional Model Innovation

When major retailer Costco began selling gold bars, it marked a shift in gold investment from traditional banks and jewelry stores to everyday consumer scenarios. This change is driven by the growing demand from ordinary investors for physical gold.

The gold bars sold at Costco mainly fall into two categories: PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan gold bars and Rand Refinery gold bars. In the Canadian market, a 1-ounce 24-karat gold bar costs CAD 2,679.99, with a limit of two bars per member every seven days.

This purchase limit reflects the tension between gold’s scarcity and market demand. As the most traditional safe-haven asset, physical gold’s value lies in its physical properties—impossible to counterfeit, globally recognized, and limited supply.

However, investing in physical gold also has obvious drawbacks: storage security issues, limited liquidity, higher transaction costs, and challenges in authenticating genuine gold. These issues are especially prominent in the digital age.

02 Modern Investment Trends

The gold market has recently shown a significant upward trend. According to the latest data, gold prices have increased by 6.19% over the past month, with a year-over-year increase of 67.13%.

Market analysts point out that geopolitical risks and US economic data are two key factors influencing gold prices. Recent US military actions in Venezuela and tense US-China trade relations have driven investors’ demand for safe-haven assets like gold.

Financial experts’ attitudes toward gold investment are also changing. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has publicly stated that people generally allocate insufficient proportions of their portfolios to gold, which is a highly effective diversification tool during economic turmoil.

The World Gold Council recommends that investors consider allocating 6% to 10% of their portfolios to gold as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

03 Advantages of Digital Gold

Compared to traditional physical gold, digital gold products offer unique investment advantages. On the Gate exchange, investors can access various gold-linked digital assets, such as Tether Gold (XAU₮) and other tokenized gold products.

These products combine the stability of gold’s value with the liquidity advantages of blockchain technology. Investors can trade around the clock, enjoy higher liquidity, and avoid the storage and insurance hassles associated with physical gold.

At Gate, the prices of gold-related tokens are updated in real-time. For example, as of January 7, 2026, investors can access the latest gold price data to make more timely investment decisions.

Digital gold investment also lowers the entry barrier. Compared to the thousands of dollars per unit for Costco gold bars, digital gold products allow investors to participate in the gold market with smaller amounts, enabling more precise asset allocation.

04 Market Risk Insights

Whether physical gold bars or digital gold, investors need to be aware of market risks. Gold prices are inherently volatile, influenced by multiple factors including US dollar exchange rates, interest rate changes, inflation expectations, and geopolitical events.

Notably, gold recently hit a record high, reaching $4,794.85 per ounce in December 2025. Such high prices may indicate short-term correction risks, so investors should carefully evaluate entry timing.

For derivative investments like gold mining stocks, risks are even more complex. Mining companies face management risks, environmental responsibilities, and reserve uncertainties. Even if gold prices rise, individual companies may perform poorly.

Diversification is an effective strategy to reduce risk. Spreading funds across multiple companies or various gold products can help investors mitigate company-specific risks and achieve more stable returns.

05 Investment Strategy Recommendations

For investors considering gold, experts recommend a diversified approach. Ray Dalio recently suggested that investors consider allocating about 15% of their portfolios to gold or alternative assets like cryptocurrencies as a hedge against systemic economic risks.

When choosing investment channels, investors should weigh their needs. Physical gold bars are suitable for long-term holding and physical safekeeping, while digital gold products are better for those seeking liquidity and convenient trading.

For users wishing to invest in gold-related assets via Gate, it is recommended to:

• Start with small amounts to familiarize with trading processes and market fluctuations.
• Pay attention to macroeconomic data and geopolitical developments that impact gold prices in the long term.
• Consider gold investment as part of a broader asset allocation, not the entire portfolio.

Regularly reassessing the portfolio is also essential. Adjusting the proportion of gold according to market conditions and personal financial situations can better help achieve financial goals.

Future Outlook

On the Gate exchange, the prices of digital gold continue to flicker. At this moment, the latest quote for Tether Gold is updating in real-time, with 24/7 trading ongoing, and the value of gold being precisely recorded and transmitted on the blockchain.

Costco’s physical gold bars may eventually be stored in home safes, while digital gold on Gate flows among investors’ digital wallets worldwide.