(Kitco News) – One in three UK adults regret not investing in gold over the past five years – during which time the yellow metal gained 128% in value – while nearly a third (30%) regret missing out on silver, according to new research from The Royal Mint.
The findings come amid widespread financial uncertainty in the UK, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of adults saying they are concerned about how global conflicts and economic instability could affect the value of their money. Two in three are worried about their overall financial future, while more than half (53%) are unsure of the best place to put their money to stay financially secure.
The Mint noted that gold prices has risen by around 128% over the past five years, while silver has increased by around 126%, resulting in a sense of missed opportunity among many UK adults. The regret surrounding precious metals is greater than for Bitcoin, with just 20% saying they regret not investing in Bitcoin over the same period.
But despite this sense of regret, the Mint said that only one in four (25%) Brits say they are likely to put savings into gold or silver over the next five years. By comparison, 60% would still choose to keep their money in a chequing account.
Just 8% of UK adults said they had kept any of their savings in gold over the past five years, while only 3% held savings in silver. By comparison, almost two-thirds (63%) say they have relied on a chequing account, the most common repository for savings.
“It’s been an extraordinary period for precious metals, and this research shows that many UK adults are reflecting on the opportunity they may have missed as gold and silver have delivered such strong returns,” said Stuart O'Reilly, Private Wealth Consultant at The Royal Mint. “But investing isn’t about looking backwards or chasing performance; it’s about understanding the role different assets can play within a long-term, diversified financial strategy.”
This research also highlights the importance of improving financial understanding, so more people can make informed decisions about where precious metals may fit within their wider financial plans,” he added.
The Mint said the new research points to a significant gap in financial confidence and knowledge across the UK. More than one-fifth (41%) of UK adults say they do not have enough financial knowledge to make a positive impact on their finances. This includes 11% who describe themselves as “completely clueless” about finances, saving and investing, while an additional 30% feel they lack sufficient knowledge. At the other end of the spectrum, just 2% consider themselves financial experts.
“While interest rate expectations can create short-term pressure on precious metals, the longer-term investment case remains compelling,” O'Reilly said. “Continued central bank demand, geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressures and the need for diversification continue to provide structural support.”
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