​​Women turn to gold investment as prices surge past $5,000

Gold’s record-breaking rally is drawing a new wave of female investors, as prices surge past $5,000 (£3,659) per ounce for the first time[i]. In the run up to International Women’s Day (8 March)[ii], Matthew Jones, Precious Metals Analyst and Co-Founder of Britannia Bullion, says more women are turning to physical gold as they seek stability, control and long-term financial security in an increasingly volatile market.

Women now account for a quarter of The Royal Mint’s customer base, up from just 8% in 2018[iii], highlighting a significant shift in how women are choosing to build and protect wealth.

The precious metal has risen more than 60% in 2025 alone, with the World Gold Council forecasting prices could climb by a further 30% in 2026[iv]. Analysts say the rally reflects sustained global uncertainty, persistent inflationary pressures and continued demand for safe-haven assets.

At the same time, women are becoming more financially independent. Research from Hargreaves Lansdown[v] shows 87% believe they are more likely to have their own money to invest than previous generations.

“In the current financial climate, women tend to favour safety and security over aggressively seeking high returns,” Matthew Jones, Precious Metal Analyst at Britannia Bullion explains. “This can often be due to earning less money, taking career breaks to raise a family, and traditional gender roles. That’s why gold is resonating right now. The recent price increase is structural, not random. Gold reflects broad uncertainty, not just inflation or interest rates. When confidence declines, it becomes a key tool for preserving value.”

British investment-grade gold coins are VAT-free and exempt from Capital Gains Tax, making them a tax-efficient, tangible asset for preserving wealth in modern portfolios.

One woman embracing this trend is Alison Houston, a retired engineer from just outside Glasgow. On retiring from BT Group, Alison received a retirement payout and initially considered leaving it in a savings account. However, with interest rates at just 2–3%, she decided her money could work harder.

Her journey into precious metals began with a spontaneous purchase of silver coins in Glasgow, sparking her interest in gold. Research led her to Britannia Bullion, and while the company usually visits clients in person, Alison’s location in Scotland meant a Teams call guided her through the process.

“They were extremely helpful,” Alison says. “Everything was explained in a straightforward way. There was no jargon and no pressure involved.”

She invested £100,000 in gold coins, and received updates via email about payment, confirmation, and delivery. A few months later, she learned her investment had risen by £40,000, and she subsequently invested an additional £50,000.

Alison highlights the practical benefits of physical gold: coins are exempt from Capital Gains Tax, VAT-free, and can be sold if needed. “The flexibility was important,” she explains. “However, this is a long-term investment for me and my nieces.”

Her story reflects the growing confidence among women investors embracing gold today — combining financial independence, tangible assets, and long-term security in uncertain markets.