Investment Risks: The article highlights the volatility in investing, using the example of the mortgage banking industry during the subprime crisis and emphasizing the importance of humility and diversification in investment strategies.
Performance of ASA Fund: The ASA Gold & Precious Metals Fund has seen a remarkable 172% increase in 2025, but it is cautioned against as it yields only 0.1% and has historically underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and gold prices.
Alternative High-Yield CEFs: The article suggests three high-yield closed-end funds (CEFs) that outperform ASA in terms of long-term performance and income, including the Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund, and PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund.
Future Investment Focus: Looking ahead to 2026, the author plans to invest in AI-focused CEFs that offer high dividends, indicating a shift away from gold investments and a belief in ongoing productivity growth in the economy.
ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company. The Company's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation primarily through investing in companies engaged in the exploration for, development of projects or mining of precious metals and minerals. The Company invests approximately 80% of its total assets in common shares or securities convertible into common shares of companies engaged, directly or indirectly, in the exploration, mining or processing of gold, silver, platinum, diamonds or other precious minerals; held as bullion or other direct forms of gold, silver, platinum or other precious minerals; in instruments representing interests in gold, silver, platinum or other precious minerals, and/or in securities of investment companies, including exchange traded funds, or other securities. The Company’s investment adviser is Merk Investments LLC.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
