When people look for investing lessons from high-profile entrepreneurs, they may focus on stocks or private equity. But Kevin O'Leary recently highlighted a different asset he has owned for more than three decades: gold. For those looking to start investing or diversify an existing portfolio, his approach offers insight into how even seasoned investors think about risk. His allocation is modest — but intentional.
Here's why O'Leary says gold still earns a place in his portfolio.
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Why Kevin O'Leary owns gold
In a recent Facebook post, O'Leary explained on the Fox News Rundown podcast that he has owned gold for over 30 years and keeps roughly 5% of his portfolio allocated to it. He distinguishes between physical bullion held in storage and gold coins he keeps for what he describes as "reality," meaning potential systemic disruptions.
According to O'Leary, gold ownership is not always convenient — storing bullion requires secure facilities and may involve fees. He also stresses the importance of buying from dealers you trust, given concerns about authenticity and pricing.
His stance is not about chasing short-term gains. Instead, he frames gold as insurance within a broader investment strategy. By limiting it to about 5%, he signals that gold is a hedge rather than a core growth engine.
Gold's historical performance explained
Gold has historically been viewed as a store of value and a hedge against inflation or currency instability. Unlike stocks, gold does not produce earnings or dividends, so its price is largely driven by supply, demand, and investor sentiment. Over long periods, gold has experienced significant price swings — including extended periods of stagnation followed by sharp rallies.
Historically, gold has sometimes moved independently of equities, which is why some investors consider it a diversification tool. However, its performance has varied widely depending on macroeconomic conditions, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions.
Gold recently reached an all-time high
Currently, amid ongoing economic instability, there's strong investor interest in assets like precious metals, which are typically a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty.
As of February 25, 2026, gold traded at around $5,224.80 per troy ounce, which reflects a whopping price increase of nearly 21% year-to-date. Although down from its record high of $5,602.22 per troy ounce on January 28, 2026, its current price is up roughly 84% compared with a year ago.
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What experts are predicting about the price of gold
Some major financial institutions have raised their outlooks for gold prices. JPMorgan recently projected that strong demand from central banks and investors could push gold to $6,300 per ounce by the end of 2026. The bank also increased its longer-term price forecast to $4,500 per ounce.
Other banks have offered similar projections. Deutsche Bank has suggested prices could exceed $6,000 by late 2026, while UBS and Société Générale see gold potentially reaching around $6,200 and $6,000, respectively. These estimates are higher than earlier projections from Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Citi, which had forecast levels between $5,000 and $5,700 this year. Still, forecasts are not guarantees, and gold prices remain sensitive to inflation trends, interest rates, and global uncertainty.
Why you may want to consider gold for your portfolio
Gold could serve as a hedge during periods of market volatility or elevated inflation. Because it often reacts differently from stocks and bonds, a small allocation may reduce overall portfolio swings. However, gold does not generate income, and its price can fluctuate sharply over shorter periods. Investors interested in gold can consider physical bullion, coins, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or mining stocks — each with different risk profiles.
Allocations, if used, are often limited to a small percentage of a diversified portfolio. The right approach depends on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and broader financial plan.
Bottom line
Kevin O'Leary's approach to gold is simple — own a modest allocation, hold it long term, and treat it as insurance rather than speculation. With gold recently reaching record highs and major banks projecting further gains, interest in the metal remains elevated.
At the same time, gold's value depends heavily on economic conditions and investor sentiment. Whether you choose to include it or not, understanding how it fits into a broader strategy may help you grow your wealth over time.
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