Volatility Returns As Gold Slips Back Below USD $4,000
Financial markets have seen a renewed bout of volatility this week, with precious metals caught up in the broader market sell off. Gold, which had bounced in the first fe...
12 November 2026
SMSF and Precious Metals
Incorporating precious metals into a Self-Managed Super Fund.
ABC Bullion has supported SMSF trustees for over 20 years, during which time more investors have incorporated precious metals into their portfolios as part of long-term retirement strategies. Today, with over $1 trillion managed through SMSFs, many trustees allocate 10–20% to gold and silver, contributing to portfolio growth and diversification thanks to gold’s long-term annualised returns of more than 10% and silver’s strong performance.
Precious Metals for SMSF Trustees
Precious metals have historically offered diversification, liquidity, and inflation protection, making them a valuable complement to traditional assets. In today’s low to negative real interest rate environment, gold and silver also provide an attractive alternative to cash and term deposits.
ABC Bullion is proud to support the Australian SMSF community with market-leading investment solutions and services, including:
A dedicated Wholesale and VIP Sales Team for SMSF clients
Our annual SMSF Trustee Investment Guide, covering the benefits of gold and silver and account setup
Research reports and annual infographics on gold, silver, and platinum
Tailored investment solutions, including the Gold Saver and Gold Decumulation Plan (GDP), enabling investors to generate regular cashflow from precious metals
Speak to a Specialist
To find out more or book a consultation, contact one of ABC Bullion's SMSF specialists:
Dominic Cantarella
Head of Sales and Client Operations
Email Dom
Eoin Sweeney
Wholesale and VIP Sales Manager
Email Eoin
Chris Hanna
Wholesale & VIP Sales Executive
Email Chris
Ruth London
Commercial Manager
Email Ruth
Investment Returns: Gold & Silver vs Other Asset Classes
The table compares the performance of major asset classes—including gold, silver, and diversified super portfolios—across multiple time horizons to June 2026. It shows that gold and silver have delivered consistently strong returns over the short, medium, and long term, significantly outperforming cash over the past 30 years. Low real returns on cash, particularly after inflation, have been a key driver of investor interest in precious metals for growth and retirement income.
Annualised Investment Returns (%): Gold & Silver in AUD vs Other Asset Classes (Jun 1971 to Jun 2026)
LBMA, RBA, Chant West, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Bloomberg Finance L.P., Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic & Social Research, MSCI Inc., S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC., WM Reuters.
Notes: 1. Per annum total returns to 30 June 2026. 2. LBMA monthly price data, RBA AUDUSD price data, ABC Bullion Calculations. 3. Chant West Superannuation Growth Fund Returns. 4. S&P 500 Total Return Index (in AUD). 5. S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Total Return Index. 6. MSCI World ex-Australia Net Total Return Index AUD Index. 7. S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Total Return Index. 8. Bloomberg AusBond Composite 0+ Yr Index. 9. Bloomberg AusBond Bank Bill Index. 10. ABS Consumer Price Index. 11. Proxied returns using Vanguard Historical Return Data (assuming 70% Australian Shares, 20% Australian Bonds and 10% Cash asset allocation).
Disclaimer: Note these calculations are based on metal prices only, and do not take into account trading costs and/or associated taxes that may be involved. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ABC Bullion does not offer financial or tax advice.
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Insights
Expert commentary and knowledge on financial markets, economic trends and the role precious metals play in preserving and growing wealth from our team of market-leading analysts, economists and traders.
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