Gold does not lose its value in times of financial or political uncertainty and does not become worthless, unlike currencies or other financial assets bearing credit risk. People buy gold and trade it when market conditions are good. They trade it when the market is less volatile. Even otherwise, gold is a safe haven asset and a hedge. Gold is primarily money. It preserves your wealth. Unlike currency, gold is real money in hand, which cannot be printed and has no debts attached to it.