A Gold IRA is a type of self-directed individual retirement account that enables traders to carry physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement portfolios. Unlike traditional IRAs, which typically embrace stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, Gold IRAs present a tangible asset that has traditionally served as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. As the value of the greenback fluctuates, many investors see gold as a stable funding that can preserve wealth over time.