• One in three (33%) UK adults regret missing out on gold’s 128% five-year rise
• 73% are concerned global conflicts and economic instability could affect the value of their money
• Two in five (41%) lack the financial knowledge to make a positive impact on their finances

19th August 2026.  One in three (33%) UK adults regret not investing in gold over the past five years, while almost a third (30%) regret missing out on silver, according to new research from The Royal Mint.

Gold has risen by around 128% over the past five years, while silver has increased by around 126%, prompting a growing sense of missed opportunity among UK adults.

The regret surrounding precious metals is greater than for Bitcoin, with just 20% saying they regret not investing in Bitcoin over the same period.

The findings come amid widespread financial uncertainty, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of UK adults concerned about how global conflicts and economic instability could affect the value of their money. Two in three are worried about their overall financial future, while more than half (53%) are unsure where the best place to put their money is to stay financially secure.

Yet despite this sense of regret, only one in four (25%) Brits say they are likely to put savings into gold or silver over the next five years. By comparison, 60% would still choose to keep their money in a high street bank current account.

Looking back over the past five years, just 8% of UK adults say they have kept any of their savings in gold, while only 3% have held savings in silver. By comparison, almost two-thirds (63%) say they have relied on a bank current account, the most common destination for savings.

The research points to a significant gap in financial confidence and knowledge across the UK. More than four in ten (41%) UK adults say they do not have enough financial knowledge to make a positive impact on their finances.

This includes 11% who describe themselves as “completely clueless” about finances, saving and investing, alongside a further 30% who feel they lack sufficient knowledge. At the other end of the spectrum, just 2% consider themselves financial experts.

Stuart O'Reilly, Private Wealth Consultant at The Royal Mint, commented: “It’s been an extraordinary period for precious metals, and this research shows that many UK adults are reflecting on the opportunity they may have missed as gold and silver have delivered such strong returns. But investing isn’t about looking backwards or chasing performance; it’s about understanding the role different assets can play within a long-term, diversified financial strategy.

“While interest rate expectations can create short-term pressure on precious metals, the longer-term investment case remains compelling. Continued central bank demand, geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressures and the need for diversification continue to provide structural support. This research also highlights the importance of improving financial understanding, so more people can make informed decisions about where precious metals may fit within their wider financial plans.”

For more information on physical and digital investment options at The Royal Mint, visit www.royalmint.com/invest.