🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 88 (from laksa079)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa088.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/12\/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo\/","crawl_time":1775511881,"first_indexed_time":1773369599,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,fool!www,\/investing\/2026\/03\/12\/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo\/ s443","src_root_hash":"16263700115757751488","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Better Investment to Buy Now With $1,000 and Hold For 3 Years: XRP vs. Gold | The Motley Fool","meta_descriptions":["The near term will be a lot more favorable for one of these assets than the other."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"After an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago.\nXRP\n(\nXRP\n+3.00%\n)\n, in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets.\nOver the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of $1,000, and why?\nImage source: Getty Images.\nGold doesn't need luck on its side to grow\nFor investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the\nSPDR Gold Shares\n(\nGLD\n0.41%\n)\nor another\ngold exchange-traded fund (ETF)\nis a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall.\nThe structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing.\nGLD\nToday's Change\n(-0.41%) $-1.76\nCurrent Price\n$427.65\nOver the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now.\nStill, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term.\nRealizing XRP's upside might be complicated\nXRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a\ncrypto portfolio\nand you're comfortable with the risks involved.\nWith that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL).\nThis is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform.\nXRP\nToday's Change\n(3.00%) $0.04\nCurrent Price\n$1.34\nThat means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value.\nTherefore, if you don't own either and want to invest $1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it.","attrs_markdown":"[Accessibility Menu](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/12\/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo\/)\n\nSearch for a company\n\n[Accessibility](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/12\/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo\/)\n\nLog In\n\n[Help](https:\/\/support.fool.com\/)\n\n[![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/misc-assets\/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple-reversed.svg?_w=320)![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fmisc-assets%2Ftmf_holdingco_logo_stacked_magenta_royalpurple_rev.png&w=96&op=resize)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/)\n\n- Our Services\n  [All Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)[Stock Advisor](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/stock-advisor\/)[Epic](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic\/)[Epic Plus](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic-plus\/)[Fool Portfolios](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/fool-portfolios\/)[Fool One](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/one\/)[All Podcasts](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/podcasts\/)[Motley Fool Money Podcast](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/podcasts\/motley-fool-money\/)[Rule Breaker Investing Podcast](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/podcasts\/rule-breaker-investing\/)[The Motley Fool Foundation](https:\/\/foolfoundation.org\/)\n- Stock Market News\n  [Live Coverage](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/live-coverage\/)[Trending News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/trending-news\/)[Stock Market News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing-news\/)[Market Movers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/market-movers\/)[Tech Stock News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/tech-stock-news\/)[Market Trends](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/market-trends\/)[Crypto News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/crypto-news\/)[Stock Market Indexes Today](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/)[Most Active Stocks Today](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/most-active-stocks\/)[Today's Biggest Stock Gainers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-gainers\/)[Today's Biggest Stock Losers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-losers\/)[Stock Quotes by Exchange](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/)[Market Research](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/)[📨 Breakfast News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/breakfast-news\/)[Top Stocks to Buy Now](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/top-stocks-to-buy-and-hold\/)[Best ETFs to Buy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/etfs\/etfs-to-buy\/)[Best AI Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/information-technology\/ai-stocks\/)[Best Growth Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/types-of-stocks\/growth-stocks\/)[Dividend Kings](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/types-of-stocks\/dividend-stocks\/dividend-kings\/)[Best Index Funds](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/index-funds\/best-index-funds\/)[Next Cryptos to Explode](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/financials\/cryptocurrency-stocks\/next-crypto-to-explode\/)[Technology](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/information-technology\/)[Energy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/energy\/)[Real Estate](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/real-estate-investing\/)[Healthcare](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/healthcare\/)[Consumer Goods](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/consumer-staples\/)[Materials](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/materials\/)[Industrials](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/industrials\/)\n- How to Invest\n  [How to Invest Money](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/)[What to Invest In](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/what-to-invest-in\/)[How to Invest in Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/)[How to Invest in ETFs](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/etfs\/)[How to Invest in Index Funds](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/index-funds\/)[How to Invest in Bonds](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/bonds\/)[Financial Dictionary](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/terms\/)[Stock Market 101](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/)[Types of Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/types-of-stocks\/)[Stock Market Sectors](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/)[Stock Market Indexes](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/indexes\/)[What Are Stock Splits?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/terms\/s\/stock-split\/)[What Is Compound Interest?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/compound-interest-accounts\/)[After Hours Trading](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/terms\/a\/after-hours-trading\/)[How to Buy Stock](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-to-buy-stock\/)[Best Brokers for Beginners](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/buying-stocks\/best-online-stock-brokers-for-beginners\/)[Best Brokerage Accounts](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/buying-stocks\/)[Good Time to Buy Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/good-time-to-buy-stocks\/)[How Many Shares to Buy?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-many-shares-buy-stock\/)[Portfolio Diversification](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/portfolio-diversification\/)[How to Invest \\$100](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/how-to-invest-100-dollars\/)[Magnificent Seven Companies](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/magnificent-seven\/)[Warren Buffett Investments](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/famous-investors\/warren-buffett-investments\/)[Investing in ChatGPT](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/information-technology\/ai-stocks\/chatgpt\/)[Investing in SpaceX](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-to-invest-in-spacex-stock\/)[Investing in OpenAI](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-to-invest-in-openai-stock\/)[Investing in Nvidia](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-to-invest-in-nvidia-stock\/)[Investing in Databricks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/how-to-invest\/stocks\/how-to-invest-in-databricks\/)\n- Retirement\n  [Retirement News](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement-news\/)[Retirement 101](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/)[Types of Retirement Accounts](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/)[How to Contribute to 401k\/IRA?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/401k\/contribute-to-401k-and-ira\/)[Strategies to Save for Retirement](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/strategies\/)[Asset Allocation for My Age](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/strategies\/asset-allocation-by-age\/)[Best IRA Brokerage Accounts](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/buying-stocks\/best-ira-accounts\/)[Social Security 101](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/)[How to Maximize Social Security?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/how-to-maximize-social-security\/)[Full Retirement Age](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/full-retirement-age\/)[COLAs](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/colas\/)[Calculate Your SS Benefits](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/benefits-formula\/)[Collecting Spousal Benefits](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/spousal-benefits\/)[Maximize Social Security Benefit](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/social-security\/how-to-maximize-social-security\/)[How Much Do I Need to Retire?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/how-much-do-i-need\/)[When To Retire](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/strategies\/when-can-i-retire\/)[401(k) Plans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/401k\/)[403(b) Plans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/403b\/)[Roth IRA Plans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/roth-ira\/)[IRA Plans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/ira\/)[HSA Plans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/hsa\/)[Complete Retirement Guide](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/complete-guide\/)[Best & Worst States to Retire](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/best-states-to-retire\/)[Average Retirement Savings](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/average-retirement-savings\/)[Moving for Retirement](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/relocation\/)[Healthcare in Retirement](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/healthcare-in-retirement\/)[Understanding Taxes in Retirement](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/taxes\/)[401(k) Minimum Distributions](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/retirement\/plans\/401k\/required-minimum-distributions\/)\n- Personal Finance\n  [Best Credit Cards](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/credit-cards\/best-credit-cards\/)[Compare Credit Cards](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/credit-cards\/compare-cards\/)[Credit Card Reviews](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/credit-cards\/reviews\/)[Credit Card Guides and Tools](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/credit-cards\/guides-tools\/)[Best Savings Accounts](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/banks\/savings-accounts\/best-savings-accounts\/)[Bank Reviews](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/banks\/reviews\/)[Best Personal Loans](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/personal-loans\/)[Personal Loan Reviews](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/personal-loans\/reviews\/)[Best Mortgage Lenders](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/mortgages\/best-mortgage-lenders\/)[Current Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/mortgages\/rates\/)[Mortgage Lender Reviews](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/mortgages\/reviews\/)[Guide to Mortgages](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/mortgages\/)[Auto Insurance](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/insurance\/auto\/)[Home Insurance](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/insurance\/homeowners\/)[Life Insurance](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/insurance\/life\/)\n- About Us\n  [About Us](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/)[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/contact\/customer-service\/)[Investing Philosophy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/investing-philosophy\/)[Motley Fool Money](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/)[The Motley Fool Foundation](https:\/\/foolfoundation.org\/)[Reviews](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/reviews\/)[Newsroom](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/contact\/newsroom\/)[YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpRQuynBX9Qy9tPrcswpPag)[LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-motley-fool\/)[X](https:\/\/x.com\/themotleyfool)[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themotleyfool\/)[Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themotleyfoolofficial\/)[Discussion Boards](https:\/\/discussion.fool.com\/)[CAPS - Stock Picking Community](https:\/\/caps.fool.com\/)[Advertise With Us](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/advertising\/)[Become an Affiliate Partner](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/)[Publishing Standards](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/the-motley-fools-publishing-standards\/)[All Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)[Stock Advisor](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/stock-advisor\/)[Epic](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic\/)[Epic Plus](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic-plus\/)[Fool Portfolios](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/fool-portfolios\/)[Fool One](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/one\/)\n- [Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https:\/\/api.fool.com\/infotron\/splitter\/route\/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21)\n\n[Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https:\/\/api.fool.com\/infotron\/splitter\/route\/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21)\n\n[S\\&P 500 6,611.83+0.4% +29.14](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/snpindex\/^gspc\/)\n\n[DJI 46,669.88+0.4% +165.21](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/djindices\/^dji\/)\n\n[NASDAQ 21,996.34+0.5% +117.16](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaqindex\/^ixic\/)\n\n[Bitcoin \\$69,667.00+3.3% +\\$2,216.20](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/crypto\/btc\/)\n\n[AMZN \\$212.77+1.4% +\\$3.00](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/amzn\/)\n\n[GOOG \\$297.54+1.0% +\\$3.08](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/goog\/)\n\n[META \\$573.15-0.2% -\\$1.31](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/meta\/)\n\n[MSFT \\$372.88-0.2% -\\$0.58](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/msft\/)\n\n[NVDA \\$177.56+0.1% +\\$0.17](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/nvda\/)\n\n[TSLA \\$352.82-2.2% -\\$7.77](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/tsla\/)\n\n[Most Active Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/most-active-stocks\/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-gainers\/)[Daily Stock Losers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-losers\/)\n\n[Most Active Stocks](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/most-active-stocks\/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-gainers\/)[Daily Stock Losers](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/markets\/top-stock-losers\/)\n\nFree Article[Explore Premium Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)\n\n# Better Investment to Buy Now With \\$1,000 and Hold For 3 Years: XRP vs. Gold\nThe near term will be a lot more favorable for one of these assets than the other.\n\nBy [Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/) – Mar 12, 2026 at 9:39PM EST\n\n[Follow us](https:\/\/profile.google.com\/cp\/CgkvbS8wNTc4bWs)\n\nShare\n\nSummarize with AI\n\n## Key Points\n- Gold is a good investment for uncertain times, like now.\n- XRP needs to continue adding features and value to its network to succeed over the long term.\n- Uncertain times won't last forever.\n\nAfter an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago. **XRP** ([XRP](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/crypto\/xrp\/) \\+3.00%), in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets.\n\nOver the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of \\$1,000, and why?\n\n![Person sitting on couch, looking at paperwork.](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F859609%2Finvestor-inspects-papers-on-a-couch.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)\n\nImage source: Getty Images.\n## Gold doesn't need luck on its side to grow\nFor investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the **SPDR Gold Shares** ([GLD](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nysemkt\/gld\/) 0\\.41%) or another [gold exchange-traded fund (ETF)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/materials\/gold-stocks\/gold-etfs\/) is a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall.\n\nThe structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing.\n\nCollapse\n\nGLD\n\n## [NYSEMKT: GLD](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nysemkt\/gld\/)\nSPDR Gold Shares\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-0.41%) \\$-1.76\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$427.65\n\nUnable to reach the data service. Please check your connection.\n\nYTD\n\n1w\n\n1m\n\n3m\n\n6m\n\n1y\n\n5y\n\nPrice\n\nVS S\\&P\n\n### Key Data Points\nDay's Range\n\n\\$426.71 - \\$431.49\n\n52wk Range\n\n\\$272.58 - \\$509.70\n\nVolume\n\n5\\.4M\n\nOver the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now.\n\nStill, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term.\n\n## Realizing XRP's upside might be complicated\nXRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a [crypto portfolio](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/financials\/cryptocurrency-stocks\/crypto-portfolio\/) and you're comfortable with the risks involved.\n\nWith that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL).\n\nThis is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform.\n\nCollapse\n\nXRP\n\n## [CRYPTO: XRP](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/crypto\/xrp\/)\nXRP\n\nToday's Change\n\n(3.00%) \\$0.04\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$1.34\n\nUnable to reach the data service. Please check your connection.\n\nYTD\n\n1w\n\n1m\n\n3m\n\n6m\n\n1y\n\n5y\n\nPrice\n\nVS S\\&P\n\n### Key Data Points\nMarket Cap\n\n\\$82B\n\nDay's Range\n\n\\$1.30 - \\$1.36\n\n52wk Range\n\n\\$1.14 - \\$3.65\n\nVolume\n\n2\\.1B\n\nThat means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value.\n\nTherefore, if you don't own either and want to invest \\$1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it.\n\n## Read Next\nApr 3, 2026\n\n•By [Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/)\n\n[Here's My XRP Price Prediction for April](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/03\/heres-my-xrp-price-prediction-for-april\/)\n\nApr 2, 2026\n\n•By [Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/)\n\n[Is XRP a Good Investment for Retirement?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/02\/is-xrp-a-good-investment-for-retirement\/)\n\nApr 2, 2026\n\n•By [Keith Noonan](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/6956\/)\n\n[Why XRP Is Falling Today](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/02\/why-xrp-is-falling-today\/)\n\nMar 31, 2026\n\n•By [David Jagielski, CPA](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20105\/)\n\n[Should You Buy XRP While It's Below \\$1.50?](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/31\/should-you-buy-xrp-while-its-below-150\/)\n\nMar 30, 2026\n\n•By [Leo Sun](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/2154\/)\n\n[XRP Is Down 60% and Losing Ground. Here's What the Next 4 Years Could Realistically Look Like.](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/30\/xrp-is-down-60-and-losing-ground-heres-what-the-ne\/)\n\nMar 30, 2026\n\n•By [Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/)\n\n[73% of Institutional Investors Are Bullish About This Set of Catalysts for XRP and Solana](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/30\/73-of-institutional-investors-are-bullish-about-th\/)\n\n### About the Author\n![Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/avatar\/2050176974\/large.ashx?_w=3840)\n\nAlex Carchidi is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare and cryptocurrency analyst covering biotech, pharma, cannabis, and digital asset companies. Previously, Alex was a bench scientist and science writer at several biopharma companies and began his career as a researcher at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.\n\n[TMFacarchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/)\n\n[@alexcarchidi](https:\/\/x.com\/alexcarchidi)\n\n*[Alex Carchidi](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20287\/) has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends XRP. The Motley Fool has a [disclosure policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/fool-disclosure-policy\/).*\n\n### Stocks Mentioned\n[XR XRP CRYPTO: XRP\\$1.34 (+3.00%)+\\$0.04](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/crypto\/xrp\/)\n\n[GL SPDR Gold Shares NYSEMKT: GLD\\$427.65 (-0.41%)-\\$1.76](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nysemkt\/gld\/)\n\n\\*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.\n\n## Premium Investing Services\nInvest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.\n\n[View Premium Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/?ftm_cam=footer-services-sitewide-prospects)\n\n[![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/misc-assets\/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple.svg?_w=320)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/)\n\nMaking the world smarter, happier, and richer.\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themotleyfool)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/x.com\/TheMotleyFool)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-motley-fool\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/themotleyfool\/)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/TheMotleyFool)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themotleyfoolofficial\/)\n- [TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@themotleyfoolofficial)\n\n© 1995 - 2026 The Motley Fool. All rights reserved.\n\nMarket data powered by [Xignite](https:\/\/xignite.com\/) and [Polygon.io](https:\/\/polygon.io\/).\n\nAbout The Motley Fool\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.fool.com\/)\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/contact\/newsroom\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/contact-us\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#ed8c8984839c98849f84889ead8b828281c38e8280)\n\nOur Services\n\n- [All Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)\n- [Stock Advisor](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/stock-advisor\/)\n- [Epic](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic\/)\n- [Epic Plus](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic-plus\/)\n- [Fool Portfolios](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/fool-portfolios\/)\n- [Fool One](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/one\/)\n- [Motley Fool Money](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/)\n\nAround the Globe\n\n- [Fool UK](https:\/\/www.fool.co.uk\/)\n- [Fool Australia](https:\/\/www.fool.com.au\/)\n- [Fool Canada](https:\/\/www.fool.ca\/)\n\nFree Tools\n\n- [CAPS Stock Ratings](https:\/\/caps.fool.com\/)\n- [Discussion Boards](https:\/\/discussion.fool.com\/)\n- [Calculators](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/calculators\/index\/)\n- [Financial Dictionary](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/terms\/)\n\nAffiliates & Friends\n\n- [Motley Fool Asset Management](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/mfam\/)\n- [Motley Fool Wealth Management](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/mfwm\/)\n- [Motley Fool Ventures](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/ventures\/)\n- [Fool Community Foundation](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/foundation\/)\n- [Become an Affiliate Partner](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/)\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/terms-and-conditions\/fool-rules\/ \"Terms of Use\")\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/privacy-statement\/ \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Disclosure Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/fool-disclosure-policy\/ \"Disclosure Policy\")\n- [Accessibility Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/accessibility-policy\/ \"Accessibility Policy\")\n- [Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/stuff-we-own\/ \"Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information\")\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/terms-and-conditions\/ \"Terms and Conditions\")\n- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/data-protection\/ccpa-update\/ \"Do Not Sell My Personal Information\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"After an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago. **XRP** ([XRP](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/crypto\/xrp\/) \\+3.00%), in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets.\n\nOver the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of \\$1,000, and why?\n\n![Person sitting on couch, looking at paperwork.](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F859609%2Finvestor-inspects-papers-on-a-couch.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)\n\nImage source: Getty Images.\n## Gold doesn't need luck on its side to grow\nFor investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the **SPDR Gold Shares** ([GLD](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nysemkt\/gld\/) 0\\.41%) or another [gold exchange-traded fund (ETF)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/materials\/gold-stocks\/gold-etfs\/) is a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall.\n\nThe structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing.\n\nGLD\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-0.41%) \\$-1.76\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$427.65\n\nOver the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now.\n\nStill, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term.\n\n## Realizing XRP's upside might be complicated\nXRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a [crypto portfolio](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/financials\/cryptocurrency-stocks\/crypto-portfolio\/) and you're comfortable with the risks involved.\n\nWith that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL).\n\nThis is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform.\n\nXRP\n\nToday's Change\n\n(3.00%) \\$0.04\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$1.34\n\nThat means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value.\n\nTherefore, if you don't own either and want to invest \\$1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

10 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.3 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/
Last Crawled	2026-04-06 21:44:41 (10 days ago)
First Indexed	2026-03-13 02:39:59 (1 month ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Better Investment to Buy Now With $1,000 and Hold For 3 Years: XRP vs. Gold \| The Motley Fool
Meta Description	The near term will be a lot more favorable for one of these assets than the other.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	After an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago. XRP ( XRP +3.00% ) , in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets. Over the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of $1,000, and why? Image source: Getty Images. Gold doesn't need luck on its side to grow For investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the SPDR Gold Shares ( GLD 0.41% ) or another gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall. The structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing. GLD Today's Change (-0.41%) $-1.76 Current Price $427.65 Over the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now. Still, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term. Realizing XRP's upside might be complicated XRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a crypto portfolio and you're comfortable with the risks involved. With that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform. XRP Today's Change (3.00%) $0.04 Current Price $1.34 That means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value. Therefore, if you don't own either and want to invest $1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it.
Markdown	[Accessibility Menu](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/) Search for a company [Accessibility](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/) Log In [Help](https://support.fool.com/) [![The Motley Fool](https://g.foolcdn.com/misc-assets/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple-reversed.svg?_w=320)![The Motley Fool](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fmisc-assets%2Ftmf_holdingco_logo_stacked_magenta_royalpurple_rev.png&w=96&op=resize)](https://www.fool.com/) - Our Services [All Services](https://www.fool.com/services/)[Stock Advisor](https://www.fool.com/services/stock-advisor/)[Epic](https://www.fool.com/services/epic/)[Epic Plus](https://www.fool.com/services/epic-plus/)[Fool Portfolios](https://www.fool.com/services/fool-portfolios/)[Fool One](https://www.fool.com/services/one/)[All Podcasts](https://www.fool.com/podcasts/)[Motley Fool Money Podcast](https://www.fool.com/podcasts/motley-fool-money/)[Rule Breaker Investing Podcast](https://www.fool.com/podcasts/rule-breaker-investing/)[The Motley Fool Foundation](https://foolfoundation.org/) - Stock Market News [Live Coverage](https://www.fool.com/investing/live-coverage/)[Trending News](https://www.fool.com/trending-news/)[Stock Market News](https://www.fool.com/investing-news/)[Market Movers](https://www.fool.com/market-movers/)[Tech Stock News](https://www.fool.com/tech-stock-news/)[Market Trends](https://www.fool.com/market-trends/)[Crypto News](https://www.fool.com/crypto-news/)[Stock Market Indexes Today](https://www.fool.com/markets/)[Most Active Stocks Today](https://www.fool.com/markets/most-active-stocks/)[Today's Biggest Stock Gainers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-gainers/)[Today's Biggest Stock Losers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-losers/)[Stock Quotes by Exchange](https://www.fool.com/quote/)[Market Research](https://www.fool.com/research/)[📨 Breakfast News](https://www.fool.com/investing/breakfast-news/)[Top Stocks to Buy Now](https://www.fool.com/investing/top-stocks-to-buy-and-hold/)[Best ETFs to Buy](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/etfs-to-buy/)[Best AI Stocks](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/ai-stocks/)[Best Growth Stocks](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/growth-stocks/)[Dividend Kings](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/dividend-stocks/dividend-kings/)[Best Index Funds](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/index-funds/best-index-funds/)[Next Cryptos to Explode](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/financials/cryptocurrency-stocks/next-crypto-to-explode/)[Technology](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/)[Energy](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/energy/)[Real Estate](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/real-estate-investing/)[Healthcare](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/healthcare/)[Consumer Goods](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/consumer-staples/)[Materials](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/materials/)[Industrials](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/industrials/) - How to Invest [How to Invest Money](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/)[What to Invest In](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/what-to-invest-in/)[How to Invest in Stocks](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/)[How to Invest in ETFs](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/etfs/)[How to Invest in Index Funds](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/index-funds/)[How to Invest in Bonds](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/bonds/)[Financial Dictionary](https://www.fool.com/terms/)[Stock Market 101](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/)[Types of Stocks](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/)[Stock Market Sectors](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/)[Stock Market Indexes](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/indexes/)[What Are Stock Splits?](https://www.fool.com/terms/s/stock-split/)[What Is Compound Interest?](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/compound-interest-accounts/)[After Hours Trading](https://www.fool.com/terms/a/after-hours-trading/)[How to Buy Stock](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-to-buy-stock/)[Best Brokers for Beginners](https://www.fool.com/money/buying-stocks/best-online-stock-brokers-for-beginners/)[Best Brokerage Accounts](https://www.fool.com/money/buying-stocks/)[Good Time to Buy Stocks](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/good-time-to-buy-stocks/)[How Many Shares to Buy?](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-many-shares-buy-stock/)[Portfolio Diversification](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/portfolio-diversification/)[How to Invest \$100](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/how-to-invest-100-dollars/)[Magnificent Seven Companies](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/magnificent-seven/)[Warren Buffett Investments](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/famous-investors/warren-buffett-investments/)[Investing in ChatGPT](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/ai-stocks/chatgpt/)[Investing in SpaceX](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-to-invest-in-spacex-stock/)[Investing in OpenAI](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-to-invest-in-openai-stock/)[Investing in Nvidia](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-to-invest-in-nvidia-stock/)[Investing in Databricks](https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/stocks/how-to-invest-in-databricks/) - Retirement [Retirement News](https://www.fool.com/retirement-news/)[Retirement 101](https://www.fool.com/retirement/)[Types of Retirement Accounts](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/)[How to Contribute to 401k/IRA?](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/401k/contribute-to-401k-and-ira/)[Strategies to Save for Retirement](https://www.fool.com/retirement/strategies/)[Asset Allocation for My Age](https://www.fool.com/retirement/strategies/asset-allocation-by-age/)[Best IRA Brokerage Accounts](https://www.fool.com/money/buying-stocks/best-ira-accounts/)[Social Security 101](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/)[How to Maximize Social Security?](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/how-to-maximize-social-security/)[Full Retirement Age](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/full-retirement-age/)[COLAs](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/colas/)[Calculate Your SS Benefits](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/benefits-formula/)[Collecting Spousal Benefits](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/spousal-benefits/)[Maximize Social Security Benefit](https://www.fool.com/retirement/social-security/how-to-maximize-social-security/)[How Much Do I Need to Retire?](https://www.fool.com/retirement/how-much-do-i-need/)[When To Retire](https://www.fool.com/retirement/strategies/when-can-i-retire/)[401(k) Plans](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/401k/)[403(b) Plans](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/403b/)[Roth IRA Plans](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/roth-ira/)[IRA Plans](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/ira/)[HSA Plans](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/hsa/)[Complete Retirement Guide](https://www.fool.com/retirement/complete-guide/)[Best & Worst States to Retire](https://www.fool.com/research/best-states-to-retire/)[Average Retirement Savings](https://www.fool.com/research/average-retirement-savings/)[Moving for Retirement](https://www.fool.com/retirement/relocation/)[Healthcare in Retirement](https://www.fool.com/retirement/healthcare-in-retirement/)[Understanding Taxes in Retirement](https://www.fool.com/retirement/taxes/)[401(k) Minimum Distributions](https://www.fool.com/retirement/plans/401k/required-minimum-distributions/) - Personal Finance [Best Credit Cards](https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/best-credit-cards/)[Compare Credit Cards](https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/compare-cards/)[Credit Card Reviews](https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/reviews/)[Credit Card Guides and Tools](https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/guides-tools/)[Best Savings Accounts](https://www.fool.com/money/banks/savings-accounts/best-savings-accounts/)[Bank Reviews](https://www.fool.com/money/banks/reviews/)[Best Personal Loans](https://www.fool.com/money/personal-loans/)[Personal Loan Reviews](https://www.fool.com/money/personal-loans/reviews/)[Best Mortgage Lenders](https://www.fool.com/money/mortgages/best-mortgage-lenders/)[Current Mortgage Rates](https://www.fool.com/money/mortgages/rates/)[Mortgage Lender Reviews](https://www.fool.com/money/mortgages/reviews/)[Guide to Mortgages](https://www.fool.com/money/mortgages/)[Auto Insurance](https://www.fool.com/money/insurance/auto/)[Home Insurance](https://www.fool.com/money/insurance/homeowners/)[Life Insurance](https://www.fool.com/money/insurance/life/) - About Us [About Us](https://www.fool.com/about/)[Contact Us](https://www.fool.com/contact/customer-service/)[Investing Philosophy](https://www.fool.com/about/investing-philosophy/)[Motley Fool Money](https://www.fool.com/money/)[The Motley Fool Foundation](https://foolfoundation.org/)[Reviews](https://www.fool.com/about/reviews/)[Newsroom](https://www.fool.com/contact/newsroom/)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpRQuynBX9Qy9tPrcswpPag)[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-motley-fool/)[X](https://x.com/themotleyfool)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/themotleyfool/)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/themotleyfoolofficial/)[Discussion Boards](https://discussion.fool.com/)[CAPS - Stock Picking Community](https://caps.fool.com/)[Advertise With Us](https://www.fool.com/advertising/)[Become an Affiliate Partner](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/)[Publishing Standards](https://www.fool.com/about/the-motley-fools-publishing-standards/)[All Services](https://www.fool.com/services/)[Stock Advisor](https://www.fool.com/services/stock-advisor/)[Epic](https://www.fool.com/services/epic/)[Epic Plus](https://www.fool.com/services/epic-plus/)[Fool Portfolios](https://www.fool.com/services/fool-portfolios/)[Fool One](https://www.fool.com/services/one/) - [Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https://api.fool.com/infotron/splitter/route/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21) [Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https://api.fool.com/infotron/splitter/route/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21) [S\&P 500 6,611.83+0.4% +29.14](https://www.fool.com/quote/snpindex/^gspc/) [DJI 46,669.88+0.4% +165.21](https://www.fool.com/quote/djindices/^dji/) [NASDAQ 21,996.34+0.5% +117.16](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaqindex/^ixic/) [Bitcoin \$69,667.00+3.3% +\$2,216.20](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/btc/) [AMZN \$212.77+1.4% +\$3.00](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/amzn/) [GOOG \$297.54+1.0% +\$3.08](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/goog/) [META \$573.15-0.2% -\$1.31](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/meta/) [MSFT \$372.88-0.2% -\$0.58](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/msft/) [NVDA \$177.56+0.1% +\$0.17](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/nvda/) [TSLA \$352.82-2.2% -\$7.77](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/tsla/) [Most Active Stocks](https://www.fool.com/markets/most-active-stocks/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-gainers/)[Daily Stock Losers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-losers/) [Most Active Stocks](https://www.fool.com/markets/most-active-stocks/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-gainers/)[Daily Stock Losers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-losers/) Free Article[Explore Premium Services](https://www.fool.com/services/) # Better Investment to Buy Now With \$1,000 and Hold For 3 Years: XRP vs. Gold The near term will be a lot more favorable for one of these assets than the other. By [Alex Carchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) – Mar 12, 2026 at 9:39PM EST [Follow us](https://profile.google.com/cp/CgkvbS8wNTc4bWs) Share Summarize with AI ## Key Points - Gold is a good investment for uncertain times, like now. - XRP needs to continue adding features and value to its network to succeed over the long term. - Uncertain times won't last forever. After an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago. XRP ([XRP](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/xrp/) \+3.00%), in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets. Over the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of \$1,000, and why? ![Person sitting on couch, looking at paperwork.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F859609%2Finvestor-inspects-papers-on-a-couch.jpg&w=3840&op=resize) Image source: Getty Images. ## Gold doesn't need luck on its side to grow For investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the SPDR Gold Shares ([GLD](https://www.fool.com/quote/nysemkt/gld/) 0\.41%) or another [gold exchange-traded fund (ETF)](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/materials/gold-stocks/gold-etfs/) is a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall. The structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing. Collapse GLD ## [NYSEMKT: GLD](https://www.fool.com/quote/nysemkt/gld/) SPDR Gold Shares Today's Change (-0.41%) \$-1.76 Current Price \$427.65 Unable to reach the data service. Please check your connection. YTD 1w 1m 3m 6m 1y 5y Price VS S\&P ### Key Data Points Day's Range \$426.71 - \$431.49 52wk Range \$272.58 - \$509.70 Volume 5\.4M Over the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now. Still, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term. ## Realizing XRP's upside might be complicated XRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a [crypto portfolio](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/financials/cryptocurrency-stocks/crypto-portfolio/) and you're comfortable with the risks involved. With that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform. Collapse XRP ## [CRYPTO: XRP](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/xrp/) XRP Today's Change (3.00%) \$0.04 Current Price \$1.34 Unable to reach the data service. Please check your connection. YTD 1w 1m 3m 6m 1y 5y Price VS S\&P ### Key Data Points Market Cap \$82B Day's Range \$1.30 - \$1.36 52wk Range \$1.14 - \$3.65 Volume 2\.1B That means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value. Therefore, if you don't own either and want to invest \$1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it. ## Read Next Apr 3, 2026 •By [Alex Carchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) [Here's My XRP Price Prediction for April](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/03/heres-my-xrp-price-prediction-for-april/) Apr 2, 2026 •By [Alex Carchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) [Is XRP a Good Investment for Retirement?](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/02/is-xrp-a-good-investment-for-retirement/) Apr 2, 2026 •By [Keith Noonan](https://www.fool.com/author/6956/) [Why XRP Is Falling Today](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/02/why-xrp-is-falling-today/) Mar 31, 2026 •By [David Jagielski, CPA](https://www.fool.com/author/20105/) [Should You Buy XRP While It's Below \$1.50?](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/31/should-you-buy-xrp-while-its-below-150/) Mar 30, 2026 •By [Leo Sun](https://www.fool.com/author/2154/) [XRP Is Down 60% and Losing Ground. Here's What the Next 4 Years Could Realistically Look Like.](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/30/xrp-is-down-60-and-losing-ground-heres-what-the-ne/) Mar 30, 2026 •By [Alex Carchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) [73% of Institutional Investors Are Bullish About This Set of Catalysts for XRP and Solana](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/30/73-of-institutional-investors-are-bullish-about-th/) ### About the Author ![Alex Carchidi](https://g.foolcdn.com/avatar/2050176974/large.ashx?_w=3840) Alex Carchidi is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare and cryptocurrency analyst covering biotech, pharma, cannabis, and digital asset companies. Previously, Alex was a bench scientist and science writer at several biopharma companies and began his career as a researcher at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston University and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. [TMFacarchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) [@alexcarchidi](https://x.com/alexcarchidi) [Alex Carchidi](https://www.fool.com/author/20287/) has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends XRP. The Motley Fool has a [disclosure policy](https://www.fool.com/legal/fool-disclosure-policy/). ### Stocks Mentioned [XR XRP CRYPTO: XRP\$1.34 (+3.00%)+\$0.04](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/xrp/) [GL SPDR Gold Shares NYSEMKT: GLD\$427.65 (-0.41%)-\$1.76](https://www.fool.com/quote/nysemkt/gld/) \*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close. ## Premium Investing Services Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services. [View Premium Services](https://www.fool.com/services/?ftm_cam=footer-services-sitewide-prospects) [![The Motley Fool](https://g.foolcdn.com/misc-assets/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple.svg?_w=320)](https://www.fool.com/) Making the world smarter, happier, and richer. - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/themotleyfool) - [Twitter](https://x.com/TheMotleyFool) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-motley-fool/) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/themotleyfool/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMotleyFool) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/themotleyfoolofficial/) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@themotleyfoolofficial) © 1995 - 2026 The Motley Fool. All rights reserved. Market data powered by [Xignite](https://xignite.com/) and [Polygon.io](https://polygon.io/). About The Motley Fool - [About Us](https://www.fool.com/about/) - [Careers](https://careers.fool.com/) - [Research](https://www.fool.com/research/) - [Newsroom](https://www.fool.com/contact/newsroom/) - [Contact](https://www.fool.com/legal/contact-us/) - [Advertise](https://www.fool.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ed8c8984839c98849f84889ead8b828281c38e8280) Our Services - [All Services](https://www.fool.com/services/) - [Stock Advisor](https://www.fool.com/services/stock-advisor/) - [Epic](https://www.fool.com/services/epic/) - [Epic Plus](https://www.fool.com/services/epic-plus/) - [Fool Portfolios](https://www.fool.com/services/fool-portfolios/) - [Fool One](https://www.fool.com/services/one/) - [Motley Fool Money](https://www.fool.com/money/) Around the Globe - [Fool UK](https://www.fool.co.uk/) - [Fool Australia](https://www.fool.com.au/) - [Fool Canada](https://www.fool.ca/) Free Tools - [CAPS Stock Ratings](https://caps.fool.com/) - [Discussion Boards](https://discussion.fool.com/) - [Calculators](https://www.fool.com/calculators/index/) - [Financial Dictionary](https://www.fool.com/terms/) Affiliates & Friends - [Motley Fool Asset Management](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/mfam/) - [Motley Fool Wealth Management](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/mfwm/) - [Motley Fool Ventures](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/ventures/) - [Fool Community Foundation](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/foundation/) - [Become an Affiliate Partner](https://www.fool.com/affiliates/) - [Terms of Use](https://www.fool.com/legal/terms-and-conditions/fool-rules/ "Terms of Use") - [Privacy Policy](https://www.fool.com/legal/privacy-statement/ "Privacy Policy") - [Disclosure Policy](https://www.fool.com/legal/fool-disclosure-policy/ "Disclosure Policy") - [Accessibility Policy](https://www.fool.com/legal/accessibility-policy/ "Accessibility Policy") - [Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information](https://www.fool.com/legal/stuff-we-own/ "Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information") - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.fool.com/legal/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions") - [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https://www.fool.com/data-protection/ccpa-update/ "Do Not Sell My Personal Information")
Readable Markdown	After an unusually good run driven by a combination of panic buying and investors flocking to safety, the price of gold is up by 75% compared to one year ago. XRP ([XRP](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/xrp/) \+3.00%), in contrast, is down by 44%, due in large part to crypto market dysfunction and investors fleeing risky assets. Over the next three years, it's very conceivable that the leader of yesteryear could become the laggard if the dynamics affecting them today end up inverting. So which of these assets is going to be the better pick with an investment of \$1,000, and why? ![Person sitting on couch, looking at paperwork.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F859609%2Finvestor-inspects-papers-on-a-couch.jpg&w=3840&op=resize) Image source: Getty Images. ## Gold doesn't need luck on its side to grow For investors who prefer not to hold physical bullion to get exposure to gold, the SPDR Gold Shares ([GLD](https://www.fool.com/quote/nysemkt/gld/) 0\.41%) or another [gold exchange-traded fund (ETF)](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/materials/gold-stocks/gold-etfs/) is a good option. No matter how you're thinking of holding gold, the investment thesis for buying it is quite simple overall. The structural forces behind the price of gold flying in this moment are geopolitical instability, fears of inflation, and global banks trying to shore up their holdings of hard assets while reducing their reliance on the dollar. That cocktail has driven prices for a couple of years already, and it shows little sign of reversing. GLD Today's Change (-0.41%) \$-1.76 Current Price \$427.65 Over the long run, gold's value is due to its scarcity and the nearly universal recognition that it's a store of value. Neither of those factors are changing, but they don't necessarily imply an acceleration of demand beyond the current levels. Gold is also obviously priced very expensively right now. Still, over the next three years, gold's trajectory looks like it'll be pretty solid, and it doesn't even need any specific catalysts for that to happen. It just needs the world to continue being unstable, which is practically guaranteed in the short term. ## Realizing XRP's upside might be complicated XRP is a far riskier option than gold, and it's probably not an advisable purchase unless you already have a [crypto portfolio](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/financials/cryptocurrency-stocks/crypto-portfolio/) and you're comfortable with the risks involved. With that being said, XRP is a living project that's being developed by its issuer, Ripple. It grows by attracting users and capital to its blockchain, the XRP Ledger (XRPL). This is an incredibly different proposition compared to an investment in gold. While buying XRP is not at all the same as buying shares in a company, it does offer exposure to the growth, deployment, and upgrading of the XRPL, which is itself a financial technology platform. XRP Today's Change (3.00%) \$0.04 Current Price \$1.34 That means XRP can almost certainly provide more upside exposure than gold over the next three years by virtue of being able to change itself in response to external stimuli. It also guarantees a lot more downside risk, as XRP needs to continuously demonstrate real traction for investors to believe the coin is going to become valuable, or even for it to retain its value. Therefore, if you don't own either and want to invest \$1,000, gold is probably the better option over the next three years. After that, it's far more likely that XRP will end up outperforming it.
Shard	88 (laksa)
Root Hash	16263700115757751488
Unparsed URL	com,fool!www,/investing/2026/03/12/better-investment-to-buy-now-with-1000-and-hold-fo/ s443