When gold is mentioned, it is usually associated with something very reliable
Millennia of history.
But there is one small detail that is almost never discussed.
Gold is a physical commodity.
It must be transported by planes.
And this is where the problems begin.
After the escalation of the war in the Middle East, most flights from the region were canceled.
And along with them — a significant part of precious metal transport.
And this is more serious than it seems.
Through Dubai approximately 20% of the world's gold turnover passes.
This is a key hub between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
When this hub stops — logistics also stop.
In India, this was felt almost instantly.
Just last Friday, gold was selling there for $50 cheaper than global quotes.
And just a few days later, the price leveled with London.
The reason is simple.
It has become physically harder to obtain metal.
And here is where the most interesting part begins.
Gold is usually transported by passenger planes — in batches of up to 5 tons.
At current prices, this is approximately $830 million per flight.
But when there are no flights — there are no supplies.
Silver, by the way, has suffered even more.
In London at Heathrow Airport, batches of metal have accumulated, which now have to be formally recalled from customs and other delivery routes sought.
And all this is happening against the backdrop of silver stocks in China falling to a ten-year low.
There is demand.
There is metal.
But it is not where it needs to be.
And here a very awkward question arises.
What does 'reliable asset' really mean if its delivery depends on air travel and geopolitics?
Because while planes are grounded, another reality appears.
Today, buying tokenized gold $XAU or silver $XAG
is sometimes easier than physical metal.
Digital versions of metals have long been traded on most crypto exchanges.
And while physical bars wait for flights, tokens are transferred via blockchain in a few minutes.
The irony of history.
An asset that has been considered the most reliable way to store value for millennia suddenly starts to look a bit... logistically vulnerable.
And digital versions of gold and silver — on the contrary.
Perhaps it is precisely such moments that change investors' financial habits.
Slowly.
But forever.
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XAUUSDT
Perp
5,061.45
-1.28%
XAGUSDT
Perp
80.92
-3.11