As strange as the concept might have sounded when introduced in 2023, purchasing a gold bar from a retailer like Costco (NASDAQ: COST) might have been among the best investment decisions a trader could have made by 2026.

Indeed, the precious metal has been among the top-performing commodities – and assets in general – in the world in recent years. The last 12 months alone have seen gold rally a staggering 75.59% and, between August 2023 and press time on February 25, 2026, it has risen 172% from about $1,900 to $5,184.

Costco Gold Bar bought in August 2023 is now worth this much

Additionally, along with being convenient, purchasing the precious metal from Costco would arguably not have been a worse decision than buying the commodity elsewhere. While it is true that the retail giant’s pricing features an approximately 2% markup on the spot price, this is in line with industry standards.

Thus, had one purchased a Costco gold bar in August of 2023 – the year the metal first hit the shelves – they would have seen a 172% return on the purchase. 

Indeed, at the time, the retailer had an ounce of the metal priced at approximately $1,900, and, at press time, the commodity is changing hands at $5,184.

Why Gold rallied 172% since 2023

There are multiple reasons why gold has been such an impressive performer in recent years. Institutional demand from central banks has been a strong driver and has, arguably, been driven at least in part by the slow process of global dedollarization.

Furthermore, retail interest has been high due to a protracted period of elevated inflation, arguably started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has had its lifespan extended by the exceptionally high geopolitical instability of the 2020s.

Lastly, with the growth of the technology sector and the new cutting-edge advancements, the yellow metal is slowly gaining the role of an industrial material, along with its traditional position as the key store of value.

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