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 an ounce of gold worth , so as to make an informed decision.

To get the current gold price per ounce, a person can do online researching of several free websites who offer different prices as well as give invaluable insight into trading in this commodity. On these various sites tips as well as advice on the different types one can purchase, together with daily prices are available. Naturally, any person interested in buying this precious commodity should make sure they deal with reputable brokers.

The value of gold per ounce on these websites is updated in the morning and afternoon each day; thus one will always have exact pricing details. Normally all the prices are worked out per troy ounce; this is globally used and is set by London's fixing price for these precious metals. One will usually find three different prices listed set out as bid prices, ask prices and then the day's expected average price range; listed in US currency.

The actual trading is done in nine different ways; particularly spot trading, accounts, coins and bars, exchange traded funds, certificate, binary options and mining company stocks. Exchange trading are determined by global markets with Tokyo, Zurich, London, Sydney, Hong Kong as well as New York being the biggest traders. Trading markets are specifically influenced through London's bullion market.

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.

Usually, pricing terms such as bid, ask, spot and fixing price are used to indicate values. Firstly, bid prices refers to the highest daily prices which one can sell at; ask price therefore will be the lowest prices at which one can buy. Spot prices are calculated according to average bid prices offered via international traders; and fixing prices are the benchmark prices used for worldwide derivatives and products, fixed by The London Gold Market Fixing Ltd.

Terms that one should learn are "bid" as well as "ask" prices terms which form the basis of these transactions. Naturally, buying will be at prices higher than ask pricing; but one should understand what exactly the term "bid-ask spread" actually refers to as well. Basically, brokers will only offer bid prices to a seller and buyer will be offered ask pricing; what this means is that the profit the broker makes on each transactions is termed as the "spread".

To ensure one is not confused; remember that each buyer pays "ask prices" while every sellers receives "bid prices" for their material. Investors must check what is the current price of gold per ounce before investing to make sure they are getting a fair deal. Besides this trading in precious metals is marked as relatively safe to invest in and one avenue many individuals are embarking on.