In addition to these benefits, gold is also an instrument that can help investors diversify their portfolios beyond stocks and bonds, and it offers returns that are less correlated to traditional asset classes historically. SGOL also provides a list of the gold bars it owns on its site to give investors transparency regarding its holdings. The Takeaway: A Welcome Addition to a Balanced Portfolio In conclusion, gold is appealing to investors because it has been viewed as a store of value for centuries, and it can serve as a hedge against inflation due to its finite nature.