Frequently asked questions about gold, precious metals and raw materials

Precious metals advisor Markus Dursch answers the questions he is asked most often in consultations – about gold, silver, platinum and palladium, technology metals and rare earths, storage, costs and the consultation process, as well as lectures and real estate. Your question is not listed? Get in touch directly.

Note: These answers provide general information and do not replace individual tax or legal advice.

Who is Markus Dursch?

Markus Dursch is a precious metals advisor based in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, and an expert in gold, precious metals and raw materials. He has worked in the financial industry for almost 25 years, spent nearly 20 of them as a manager at a large insurance group, and today advises independently on physical tangible assets. He is also an author and a speaker at lectures and professional events.

Is Markus Dursch an independent advisor?

Yes. Due to changed conditions, Markus Dursch decided to become independent after his time as a manager at an insurance group. His advice focuses on people and their individual goals – true to his motto “the greatest value is the person themselves”.

How does a consultation work?

You choose a non-binding consultation of about one hour online, held by phone or Zoom. Together with Markus Dursch you develop an investment strategy that matches your goals – from a one-off purchase to a monthly savings plan. Book an appointment online now.

Do I have to travel to Villingen-Schwenningen?

No. Consultations take place by phone or Zoom (online video meeting), so you can join conveniently from home – wherever you live in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The office is located at Auf der Höhe 18, 78048 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. All contact options are on the contact page.

What does the consultation cost?

The consultation is non-binding. According to Markus Dursch, there are no further costs for contract management or advice during the investment period for precious metals; for raw materials, there is a small one-off purchase fee plus minimal insurance costs for storage. You will receive the specific conditions in a personal conversation.

Which association does Markus Dursch belong to?

Since November 2021, Markus Dursch has been a member of the Deutscher Sachwert- und Finanzverband (German Association for Tangible Assets and Finance), the professional association for service providers and advisors of tangible asset investments. He was also named a “Top Expert 2026” by Erfolg Magazin.

Why is gold considered a hedge against inflation?

Gold is considered an inflation hedge because it preserves its value over the long term and can even rise in value during periods of high inflation. Unlike unbacked paper currencies, it cannot be multiplied at will: since US President Nixon abolished the gold standard on 15 August 1971, the dollar and the euro have been unbacked. Learn more on the page gold as an investment.

Gold bars or gold coins – which is better?

Gold bars and gold coins are the most common forms of gold investment, and each has its own advantages depending on your strategy. Which form suits you depends on your goals and budget; Markus Dursch helps you choose the right gold products.

How does a gold savings plan work?

With a gold savings plan you buy physical gold regularly in flexible instalments and with a price advantage instead of investing a large amount at once. The offer is also suitable for employer savings benefits (VL), savings plans for children and a gold pension for retirement. Details: gold savings plans and buying gold.

Do I own the gold?

Yes. With Markus Dursch you acquire only genuine, physical gold and are the sole owner of your investment. Purchases are made directly through gold wholesale at wholesale prices.

Is the gold delivered or stored?

You decide: the gold can be delivered to you or stored. White metals such as silver, platinum and palladium can also be stored insured in a customs-free warehouse in Switzerland.

What does “Gold is money – everything else is credit” mean?

The quote is attributed to John Pierpont Morgan, founder of the bank J.P. Morgan. It sums up that a bank balance is a claim against the bank – you are a creditor, not an owner – while physical gold is a tangible asset in your possession.

Why should I add silver, platinum and palladium?

Silver, platinum and palladium are white metals that are becoming increasingly popular as investment metals due to their many industrial uses and good price performance in recent years. As a complement to gold, they diversify your portfolio. More under precious metals as an investment.

What are iridium and ruthenium?

Iridium and ruthenium are rare precious metals considered insider tips with exciting future prospects. They are closely linked to future technologies such as the hydrogen economy.

What does storage in a Swiss customs-free warehouse mean?

With customs-free storage, your physical precious metals are stored insured in Switzerland instead of being delivered to you. According to Markus Dursch, storage there is tax-free; please clarify the tax consequences in your individual case with your tax advisor.

What are technology metals?

Technology metals are raw materials without which modern technology would not work – for example indium, gallium, germanium, hafnium and rhenium. Indium is used in touchscreens, gallium in semiconductors for 5G and e-mobility, germanium in fibre optics, hafnium in microprocessors and rhenium in aircraft engines. More under buying technology metals.

What are rare earths used for?

Rare earths are key raw materials for future technologies such as robotics, e-mobility, batteries and environmental technology. Neodymium and praseodymium, for example, are components of powerful permanent magnets for electric motors and wind turbines.

How are prices formed, and is there a buy-back?

The raw materials arranged by Markus Dursch are not traded on the stock exchange; their price is determined by supply and demand. A reliable partner in the background guarantees daily buy-back, and the ownership rights to the raw materials remain with you.

Are gains from technology metals tax-free?

According to Markus Dursch, the goods are exempt from VAT and gains are tax-free after a holding period of one year (under German tax rules). Please check with your tax advisor whether this applies to you; as with any investment, prices can also fluctuate.

Can Markus Dursch be booked as a speaker?

Yes. Markus Dursch gives public lectures and can be booked for conferences, professional conventions and corporate events, small or large. His topics include precious metals, tangible assets, risks of the fiat money system, the abolition of cash, central bank digital currency and technology metals; he has appeared alongside Dirk Müller (“Mr. Dax”) and the Investor Punk. More under lectures and coaching.

Which book has Markus Dursch written?

Markus Dursch is the author of the German book “Warum Sie JETZT Gold kaufen sollten” (Why you should buy gold NOW). In his latest book he also explains why technology metals and rare earths are becoming indispensable investment opportunities.

Does Markus Dursch help with buying property in Mallorca or Northern Cyprus?

Yes, through strong network partners. In Mallorca he works with Casa d’Or, C.B., which offers access to more than 2,000 selected properties; on request he arranges a viewing trip on site. As an alternative he recommends Northern Cyprus. More under real estate in Mallorca and Northern Cyprus.

Why does Markus Dursch advise against German real estate as an investment?

For tax reasons and because of the political outlook, Markus Dursch currently advises against buying property in Germany as an investment. If you want to sell a property in Germany, he will put you in touch with an experienced estate agent from his network free of charge.

How can I become a sales partner?

If you are enthusiastic about “true values” and would like to join the team, simply email Markus Dursch at mail@markus-dursch.de.