10 Best Investments in 2026

In 2026, the strongest investment strategies emphasize diversification, tangible assets, and long-term resilience. This article outlines ten investment options to consider, ranked from higher risk and complexity to those historically trusted for preserving wealth. Throughout, we highlight why physical precious metals, particularly gold held in a self-directed Gold IRA, continue to play a central role in retirement planning.

10. Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending allows investors to earn interest by lending directly to individuals or businesses through online platforms. In theory, this can produce higher yields than traditional savings accounts or CDs.

Platforms such as Prosper offer exposure to consumer and small business credit, which may add diversification to a portfolio. However, P2P lending carries meaningful risks. Borrower defaults, economic downturns, and limited regulatory protections can all impact returns.

For retirees focused on capital preservation, peer-to-peer lending is generally better suited as a small, speculative allocation rather than a core holding, especially when compared with tangible assets like physical gold that do not depend on borrower repayment.

9. Real Estate

Investing in real estate has long appealed to retirees seeking income and long-term appreciation. Rental properties, commercial buildings, and land can generate cash flow while offering potential tax advantages.

That said, real estate requires active management, significant capital, and ongoing expenses. Maintenance costs, vacancies, property taxes, and market downturns can quickly erode returns. Liquidity is another concern, as selling property often takes time.

Investors who want real estate exposure without hands-on involvement often turn to REITs, though these are still paper assets tied to broader market movements.

• Residential Properties: Homes and multi-family units can provide rental income and appreciation but require tenant and property management.
• Commercial Properties: Offices, retail, and industrial properties may offer higher yields, though they are sensitive to economic cycles.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Publicly traded vehicles that provide real estate exposure without direct ownership.

Real estate can complement a diversified portfolio, but many retirees balance it with physical precious metals that require no tenants, repairs, or debt exposure.

8. Renewable Energy

Renewable energy continues to attract attention as governments, utilities, and corporations invest in solar, wind, and energy storage. These trends may support long-term growth for companies operating in the clean energy space.

Investors can access the sector through individual stocks or thematic funds, though valuations and policy changes can introduce volatility. As with many growth-oriented investments, renewable energy remains sensitive to interest rates and market sentiment.

While renewables may offer upside, they are best balanced with assets that have intrinsic value, such as physical gold and silver, which are not dependent on government incentives or corporate earnings.

7. Bonds

Bonds have traditionally been viewed as conservative investments that provide income and stability. They remain a common component of retirement portfolios, though rising interest rates and inflation can pressure bond values.

• Government Bonds: U.S. Treasuries and municipal bonds are considered lower risk but often offer modest yields.
• Corporate Bonds: Issued by companies and typically provide higher income, with increased credit risk.
• Municipal Bonds: May offer tax-advantaged income, depending on the investor’s situation.

Bonds can still serve a role in income planning, but many retirees are increasingly aware that bonds do not protect purchasing power during prolonged inflation. This is one reason physical precious metals are often added as an inflation hedge.

6. Mutual Funds and ETFs

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds provide diversified exposure to stocks, bonds, or specific sectors. ETFs, in particular, are popular due to lower fees and liquidity.

While these vehicles simplify investing, they remain paper assets subject to market volatility, systemic risk, and financial market disruptions. During periods of stress, correlations between funds often increase, reducing diversification benefits.

For retirees, mutual funds and ETFs may work best when paired with tangible assets like physical gold held outside the traditional financial system.

5. Precious Metals

Precious metals such as silver, gold, platinum, and palladium have served as stores of value for centuries. Unlike paper assets, they are tangible, scarce, and free from counterparty risk.

Precious metals have sometimes helped preserve purchasing power during inflationary or unstable periods, but results vary by time frame and market conditions. They also provide diversification because their performance often differs from stocks and bonds.

Physical metals do not generate income, and prices can fluctuate in the short term. However, many retirees value them for stability rather than speculation. Holding physical precious metals, especially through a self-directed Gold IRA, allows investors to align long-term retirement savings with assets that have intrinsic value.

4. Bitcoin (Crypto)

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remain highly speculative investments. Supporters point to limited supply and growing institutional interest, while critics highlight extreme volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of intrinsic value.

Crypto assets do not produce income and can experience sharp price swings over short periods. For retirees, this level of uncertainty can be difficult to tolerate.

When compared with physical gold, which has thousands of years of monetary history, cryptocurrencies are generally viewed as a high-risk, optional allocation rather than a foundation for retirement savings.

3. Commodities

Commodities include energy products, agricultural goods, and industrial metals. They can provide diversification and may benefit during inflationary periods.

Prices are often influenced by global supply and demand, weather, and geopolitical events, making commodities volatile and difficult to time.

Among commodities, precious metals stand apart due to their role as monetary assets. Gold and silver, in particular, are often favored by retirees seeking stability rather than short-term trading opportunities.

2. Stock Market

Stocks remain a powerful tool for long-term growth, offering ownership in productive companies and the potential for dividends and capital appreciation.

Index funds and blue-chip stocks are commonly used by retirees to reduce individual company risk. However, equities are still vulnerable to market corrections, recessions, and systemic financial risks.

Many retirement-focused investors choose to balance stock exposure with physical precious metals to reduce overall portfolio volatility and reliance on the financial markets.

1. Gold

Gold stands apart as one of the most trusted assets for preserving wealth. It has functioned as money and a store of value across civilizations, economic systems, and market cycles.

Over time, gold has demonstrated its ability to retain purchasing power during inflation, currency devaluation, and financial crises. Unlike stocks or bonds, gold is not dependent on corporate earnings or government promises.

Benefits of Investing in Gold

• Hedge Against Inflation

Gold has historically helped protect purchasing power when the cost of living rises. As fiat currencies lose value over time, physical gold tends to maintain its real worth.

• Portfolio Diversification

Gold often behaves differently than stocks and bonds, which can help reduce overall portfolio risk. This diversification is especially valuable during market downturns.

• Safe Haven Asset

During periods of geopolitical tension, banking stress, or economic uncertainty, investors around the world continue to turn to gold as a trusted store of value.

• Liquidity

Gold is widely recognized and easily bought or sold, making it one of the most liquid tangible assets available to investors.

Whether you are new to precious metals or already diversified, working with a reputable dealer is essential. American Bullion specializes in helping retirees and pre-retirees protect their retirement savings through Gold IRAs and IRS-approved physical precious metals.

By incorporating physical gold into a well-balanced retirement strategy, investors can build a more resilient financial future rooted in tangible value and long-term stability.