Gold

Highly valued since ancient times, gold is known for its safe-haven status and has always been the most popular choice among investors of precious metals.

While it is mainly used as a base for jewellery and a form of currency, the shiny and malleable metal also has industrial applications. For example, it is used in electronics because it is resistant to corrosion and a good conductor of both heat and electricity.

According to the World Gold Council (WGC), the average price of gold in the second quarter was US$1,196.74 (S$1,624.21) per ounce, 30 per cent above that of the second quarter of last year.

In value terms, the total identifiable demand for gold in the second quarter saw a 77 per cent rise to US$40.4 billion, a record quarterly high.

WGC said in a report this month that it expects demand for gold to remain strong this year, with India and China continuing to provide the main thrust for demand growth, particularly for gold jewellery.

"Economic uncertainties and the ongoing search for less volatile and more diversified investments such as gold, are likely to underpin demand for investment gold in the immediate future," it said.