Bridgewater Associates LP, a leading investment management firm, has recently disclosed their stock holdings in the iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU). According to their latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bridgewater Associates LP holds 3.47 million shares of the popular gold exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The iShares Gold Trust is an ETF that tracks the price of gold and is designed to provide investors with a cost-effective and convenient way to invest in the precious metal. It is one of the largest gold ETFs in the world, with over $20 billion in assets under management.
Bridgewater Associates LP’s significant investment in the iShares Gold Trust is a strong indication of their confidence in the precious metal. Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, especially during times of economic uncertainty. With the ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical risks, many investors are turning to gold as a hedge against potential market volatility.
In addition to Bridgewater Associates LP, other prominent investors have also been increasing their exposure to gold. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates LP, has been a vocal advocate for gold as a diversification tool in investment portfolios. In a recent interview, Dalio stated that he believes gold will be a top-performing asset in the coming years.
The iShares Gold Trust has also been performing well in the market, with a year-to-date return of over 15%. This is in line with the overall trend of rising gold prices, which have been driven by a combination of factors such as low interest rates, a weaker US dollar, and global economic uncertainty.
Investors looking to gain exposure to gold through the iShares Gold Trust should keep in mind that the ETF does not directly hold physical gold. Instead, it holds gold futures contracts, which can be subject to market fluctuations and may not perfectly track the price of physical gold.
Overall, Bridgewater Associates LP’s significant investment in the iShares Gold Trust is a strong vote of confidence in the precious metal. With the current economic and geopolitical landscape, it is no surprise that many investors are turning to gold as a safe-haven asset. As always, it is important for investors to carefully consider their own risk tolerance and investment goals before making any decisions.