With an increasing number of technology startups diversifying and innovating in a number of different industries within the financial sector, many retail consumers can make a little bit of cash on the side. Gold is one such commodity that has been attracting the investors and traders since ages, due to its strong value and worldwide acceptance. In this modern and globalization era, investing in gold has become quite effortless and safe with online trading. It is now possible to make gains from online gold trading without having to own the metal physically.

Once upon a time, in order to trade gold, you had to buy and sell the metal itself. Then came futures and options, allowing traders to take positions without actually ending up with a safe full of bars, coins or jewelry. Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) made it easier still; trading gold was much like trading a stock. Today, trading gold is almost no different from trading foreign exchange. If a retail investor uses a spread-betting platform it is simply a matter of buying or selling depending on whether you think that the gold price is likely to rise or fall.

While the option of physically owning gold bars and coins is still possible and practiced; trading gold online with a broker is much easier, it has a lot of benefits, and it is by far the most popular method. You can trade anywhere, anytime – and never miss any gold prices opportunities. For example, unlike other assets, gold prices do not fluctuate with big margins overnight, but with small ones; which means that you will lose with small margins. A broker will make sure you get the latest updates and will offer you all the assistance and instruments to help you.

The online gold market offers traders numerous opportunities – given the liquidity of this asset. The fact that it can be a hedge for financial market risks and against inflation is the feature which makes it a haven asset and a safe choice even in the most tempestuous times. While it comes with a very appealing list of advantages and it is a safe investment; the decisions made by investors are ultimately the ones that determine whether gold is also a promising investment. Gold trading may generate high returns and has proved its purchasing power over time. Without any doubts, it is an asset that could bring a lot of diversity and value in investors’ portfolios.

Whenever you are ready to trade gold, you should be quite careful. Develop a healthy respect for the fact that gold is volatile and can swing wildly in either direction. Pay attention to what’s going on in the world, because it can quickly affect the gold prices. It can be tied to a fluctuating currency or used in electronics because of its anti-corrosive and conductivity properties. Or it can be used in making jewelry or held for safe-keeping by royalty and dynasties. Unlike commodities, it’s hard to predict what will set it off, so prepare your plan and be ready to act quickly. At the same time, don’t forget that gold is considered by experts as part of the current year's best-performing investment product.