Lightyear Tosses the Gold into the Mix!
Lightyear, the European investment platform that’s been cracking the “no‑fee” and “no‑confusion” code since 2021, has just dropped the mic on its product lineup. After a jam-packed catalog of over 3,500 stocks, ETFs, and money‑market funds, the firm is now adding a shiny new commodity: gold in the form of an Exchange‑Traded Commodity (ETC).
What’s the Gold Thing Exactly?
- It’s iShares Physical Gold (PPFB), a ticker that hovers around the day‑to‑day price of gold (minus a couple of fees).
- The gold behind the ticker lives as fresh‑mint bullion bars in a JPMorgan vault – literally allocated gold, no digital tinkering.
- Rated a Risk Indication of 4 on a 1‑to‑7 scale, it’s about as safe as you’d expect a metal that’s been called king of the world market for centuries.
Why the Gold?
Gold’s prices have been on a roller‑coaster lately, but for the long‑horizon investors, the S&P 500 has historically outpaced the metal. Yet, mixing gold into a portfolio is still a solid “rain‑cloud” strategy because it behaves differently from your usual stocks and funds. In words that even your grandma would nod to, it’s a diversification booster, not an all‑or‑nothing gamble.
One Platform, Many Vehicles
Lightyear’s portfolio isn’t just a one‑liner. Besides the commodity, it offers:
- Business accounts for freelancers, letting them earn interest on company money.
- BlackRock Money Market Funds in the UK – optional, low‑fee, no‑minimum sweet spots.
- Multi‑currency investment accounts that keep your cash from skinnying into inflation.
All of this feeds into Lightyear’s mission: give business owners and retail investors a fart‑free, no–hidden‑fee playground to grow their wealth across borders.
Executive Take‑Aims
“Adding exchange‑traded commodities to our offer is a huge step,” said Mihkel Aamer, CTO and co‑founder. “Now, business customers can jump into gold while already juggling 3,500+ stocks and ETFs. We’re keen on products that help people diversify in the face of rising inflation.”
He praised the synergy between the Central Bank Rate‑tracked interest product, the BlackRock MMFs, and now gold, saying they “boost the ways businesses can make the most of their money in a higher inflation environment.”
How Lightyear Began
Bootstrapped in London by ex‑Wise alumni Martin Sokk and Mihkel Aamer, Lightyear sprouted from frustration with sticker‑shiny European investments: hidden fees, labyrinthine interfaces, and lack of global market access. Since 2021, the platform has grown its arsenal, listening to customer want‑lists and rolling out fresh features every few weeks.
Final Thought
In a world where inflation is dancing to the tune of higher rates, Lightyear’s new gold ETC looks to let investors keep their treasure chest shiny and diversified. If you’re on the hunt for a multi‑currency, low‑fee, turn‑key platform, Lightyear’s latest addition is like an extra glove in a boxing match—just in case gold comes into play.
