Nowadays more people are looking to invest in precious metals to grow their existing investment portfolios. When it comes to these types of investments it is imperative that one do the necessary research. First and foremost, a person must find out what is the current price of gold per ounce , so as to make an informed decision.

To find out the current gold price per ounce, one can go online and research several of the free websites that offer not only the different prices but also gives valuable insight as to trading. On these sites one will find tips and advice on what types of purchases one can make together with the daily pricing. Naturally, any one that is interested in making a purchase should do so through a reputable company.

Websites update the value of gold per ounce at least every minute to ensure people get relevant updated pricing information. Normally prices listed, refer to troy ounces, which is commonly the London fixing price used for precious metals. Most of these websites list 3 different values; such as bid, ask and the day's range pricing; all listed in USD currency.

There are nine different types of trading such as spot trading, exchange traded funds, bars and coins, binary options, mining company stocks, gold certificate and accounts. Exchange trading is linked to the worldwide markets with Sydney, Zurich, Tokyo, London, New York and Hong Kong being the most important of this market. But, trading markets are mostly influenced by the London bullion markets.

Prices are basically determined directly by "London's Gold Market Fixing Ltd" who decide on the two daily pricing updates. Factors that play a role on determining these prices are speculation as well as supply and demand. But prices are mostly determined due to international monetary funds, jewelery industries, wars, central banks, short selling or where national emergencies occur.

Pricing terms like bid and ask prices as well as spot and fixing prices indicate values. Bid prices refer to highest daily selling prices while the ask prices are the lowest buying prices. Spot prices will be calculated in accordance with average bidding prices offered by international trading companies; fixing prices will be benchmark global prices for derivatives or products, determined by The London Market Fixing Ltd.

Terms like "bid" or "ask" form the real basics of investing. It makes sense that when buying, prices charged will be above the ask prices; but it is the reference to "bid-ask spread" that one should also consider. Basically, this term refers to the profit that any broker makes on a transaction whether buying or selling.

To avoid confusion one should know that buyers pay "ask prices" while sellers receive "bid prices" for transactions. Therefore one must first see what the gold spot price is prior to entering into any type of transaction. But when it comes to using this as a means of investing, it definitely is considered as being safe.