SPDR Gold Trust (NYSEMKT: GLD) is the largest of these ETFs, with each share representing roughly a tenth of an ounce of gold. Although bonds and cash play vital roles in having a balanced portfolio, the current low-rate environment has pushed many investors to increase the amount of stocks they own. Some market forecasters see a danger of inflation from all the money the federal government is spending on stimulus measures in an attempt to bolster the economy, and that sort of uncertainty in monetary policy management makes hard assets such as gold look more attractive.