Earlier this year, we discussed the benefits of investing in precious metals, and several means of doing so (in this article). Given the strong rise in gold prices this year, we take another look at the best way to maintain exposure to this asset class. 

Serving as the basis of economic capitalism, gold has always played a major role in the global economy. 
Although not a primary currency anymore, gold can be used as an integral tool in your portfolio and carries a variety of benefits:
Store of Value & Inflation Hedge
Compared to the USD that has lost 98% of its purchasing power since the Federal Reserve was established, physical gold has preserved value by consistently beating inflation.  Unlike fiat and cryptocurrencies, gold is a tangible asset that cannot be hacked, forged or erased.

Diversification
Having a small portion of your portfolio dedicated to gold is an effective way to maintain a balanced portfolio over an economic cycle.
Hedge against market crashes
Gold has proven to balance equity losses during downturns, with the commodity rising nearly 70% of the time that stock markets fell over the past 50 years (across all 12 month periods).

With freshly made breakfast and exotic fruits filling the bar counter, O&G had the pleasure of welcoming life insurance expert Dr. Doyle Ray Oakey to the Shanghai Life Insurance Seminar 2019.

Dr. Oakey has more than twenty years of global experience advising companies, individuals, and families on insurance, wealth and risk management products, process and preparedness. Today, he continues to advise insurance clients globally through his role in Primer Sol Consulting.

Two sessions were held. A Monday morning session presented in English, and a Chinese counterpart on Tuesday with the same exceptional set-up accompanied by an experienced translator. The purpose of the seminar was ‘a client-centered approach’ where attendees from both presentations represented professional service firms, to identify their clients’ insurance needs.

U.S. Federal Tax Filing Requirements:
1. Employees with income exceeding $10,000/month
2. Self-employed individuals with income exceeding $400/month.
Deadline:
Any taxes due must be paid by April 15th, just like back in the U.S. Filing deadline is June 15th, with a further extension available until October 15th.
Other requirements:
1. FBAR: must be filed for individuals with a combined balance exceeding $10,000 in accounts outside of the U.S.
2. Form 8938: must be attached to the annual return of individuals with foreign assets exceeding $200,000, excluding a home owned in your name (FATCA requirement).