Gold is back in the headlines—this time breaking all records. On September 16, 2025, the price of gold surged past $3,700 per ounce, making it one of the biggest jumps in recent years. Just a year ago, gold traded at around $2,300. Now, investors who purchased a Costco gold bar in 2023 are sitting on gains of nearly 100%.

The surge comes as traders bet on interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve while ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation fears continue to rattle global markets. For everyday shoppers, however, the story has a unique twist: the unlikely rise of Costco Wholesale as a player in the precious metals market.

The Costco Gold Rush

In 2023, Costco quietly introduced 1-ounce gold bars for its members. At the time, prices hovered around $1,950 each, according to USA Today. What followed was nothing short of a frenzy. Shoppers snapped them up so quickly that Costco had to implement a restriction: only two bars per customer, per day.

By May 2025, those same bars were selling above $3,000, and by mid-September they had climbed to about $3,700. The company also listed silver and platinum bars, but gold has remained the undisputed star.

On September 17, 2025, Costco’s online listing for gold showed the item as sold out. Membership-only access means non-members can’t even view the pricing, but demand has remained relentless.

Competitors Join the Trend

It isn’t just Costco capitalizing on the craze. Walmart also sells gold bars. On September 17, it listed a 1 oz Pamp Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan Bar at $3,818, slightly higher than Costco’s offering.

The message is clear: gold isn’t just for Wall Street hedge funds anymore—it’s on the shelves of America’s biggest retailers.

Why Is Gold So High?

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, often rising during times of uncertainty. Several factors are fueling today’s surge:

• Geopolitical Tensions – Ongoing instability in the Middle East has increased demand for safe assets.
• Inflation Fears – Rising prices across sectors continue to erode confidence in currencies.
• Stock Market Volatility – Investors are nervous after turbulent trading sessions since 2023.
• Federal Reserve Policy – Hints of interest rate cuts from the Fed have boosted gold’s appeal.

In short, gold has regained its shine as a store of value.

How Much Is Your Costco Gold Bar Worth Now?

If you bought a Costco bar in October 2023, you paid under $2,000. At today’s market price of $3,700, that’s nearly a 100% gain in just two years.

Even investors who bought last year—when gold was hovering around $2,300—are looking at gains of more than 50%. For many casual buyers, this has been their first real taste of gold investing, and the results have been extraordinary.

Selling Your Gold: Not as Easy as Buying

While it may be tempting to cash in, experts caution that reselling gold is not straightforward. According to NerdWallet, sellers should expect to receive less than the spot price. Buyers such as pawn shops, jewelers, or gold dealers still need to leave room for their own profit.

Online marketplaces are another option, but getting multiple quotes is crucial before selling. As with any investment, patience and timing could make a big difference.

Year-End Forecast

Where does gold go from here? The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group recently raised its forecast, predicting gold could hit $4,000 by June 2026. If true, Costco’s gold bars may continue to be one of the hottest investments available at retail level.

More Than Just a Commodity

What’s fascinating is not just the price of gold but the cultural shift it represents. Once considered an investment only for the wealthy or institutional investors, gold is now being purchased during weekend shopping trips to Costco. This democratization of gold ownership is reshaping how Americans view wealth and security.

From Bayonne, New Jersey, where a customer proudly showed off his purchase in October 2024, to shoppers in California and Texas, Costco gold bars have become a conversation starter as much as an investment tool.

Final Thoughts

The story of Costco’s gold bars is about more than a shiny metal—it’s about timing, opportunity, and a retailer that tapped into consumer psychology at exactly the right moment. Whether prices keep rising or cool off, one thing is certain: those who bought early have already struck gold.

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When your phone rings and a stranger insists they can help you switch your superannuation fund to a “bigger, better” scheme, it might feel tempting. After all, who doesn’t want higher returns on retirement savings? But regulators say this is one of the biggest red flags of 2025.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), an alarming wave of “super switching” scams has been targeting vulnerable Australians—especially retirees—by luring them into high-risk, high-fee investments. These scammers operate through cold calls, social media ads, and even fake referrals to financial advisers.

The National Anti-Scam Centre reported that in 2024 alone, Australians aged over 65 lost nearly $100 million, the highest amount among all age groups.

“Dodgy” schemes play on fear

Xavier O’Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, explained that these schemes exploit people’s fears about retirement. “They push people into dodgy investments by promising unrealistic high yields,” he said. The catch? Victims often pay tens of thousands upfront and then face ongoing hidden fees.

Much like the collapsed First Guardian and Shield Master Funds, these schemes trap investors into complex, high-risk products with very little chance of long-term stability.

ASIC warns of “Big Red Flags”

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a July alert urging Australians to be on guard. Deputy Chair Sarah Court warned:

“Being asked to make a quick decision is one of the most obvious red flags. Remember, a good deal won’t vanish overnight.”

She added that even experienced investors can struggle to spot the flaws in these schemes because of how persuasive salespeople can be. “Once you start on the path, it can be hard to get off,” Court cautioned.

These scammers typically present themselves as helpful advisors, claiming they can “locate lost super for free” or introduce you to a trusted financial adviser. In reality, they are often earning commissions for transferring your funds.

Google and COTA fight back

To combat the rising scam wave, Google partnered with the Council on the Ageing Australia (COTA) during Scams Awareness Week (August 25–29). Nearly 1,000 seniors participated in a special digital safety program named Project BRIDGE (Building Resilience, Inclusion and Digital Growth for Elders).

Bec Turner, Google Australia’s Public Policy Manager, said the initiative was “vital” to keeping communities one step ahead of scammers. The sessions taught not only how to spot scam tactics, but also how to strengthen digital literacy and stay safe online.

Trustees under pressure

Earlier in 2025, ASIC wrote to superannuation trustees demanding stronger anti-scam practices. Trustees, considered “gatekeepers” of retirement funds, were warned they cannot outsource their responsibilities when it comes to protecting clients.

An ASIC review of 15 funds revealed a startling truth—many had no anti-scam strategy at all, putting millions at risk.

What you can do if targeted

If you receive a cold call pressuring you to switch superannuation funds:

1. Ask questions about the caller’s relationship with the fund. If commissions are involved, walk away.
2. Never rush into decisions. Scammers thrive on urgency.
3. Hang up if you feel pressured—legitimate advisers won’t mind you taking time.
4. Check with ASIC and official fund websites before making any moves.
5. If you think you’ve been caught, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160, Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service.

The bigger picture

With Australia’s retirement system valued in the trillions of dollars, scammers see a goldmine. Regulators, tech companies, and advocacy groups are now racing to outsmart these schemes. But as Sarah Court put it, “scammers are always evolving”—which means staying alert is the best defense.

For anyone nearing retirement, the dream of financial security should not become a nightmare of financial loss. The next time you’re promised “unrealistic returns” over the phone or through a flashy online ad, remember the words of ASIC: “A good deal won’t vanish overnight.”

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In a move that has shoppers buzzing, Aldi — the no-frills German supermarket giant — has launched an online grocery delivery service in Australia for the very first time. Partnering with DoorDash, the pilot program kicks off in Canberra from July 9, after what many Aussies would call a very long wait.

This is a historic first for Aldi Australia, which has long resisted going digital — even as competitors like Woolworths and Coles have aggressively pushed into the online space.

“Our customers have been asking for us to go online for quite some time now,” said Aldi’s Group Buying Director Simon Padovani-Ginies, in a statement to NewsWire. “There are times when you simply can’t get to a grocery store… and without Aldi participating in that convenience channel, [customers] are paying higher prices.”

So what’s changing exactly? Starting this week, Aldi customers in Canberra can browse the entire Aldi range — over 1,800 items — from the comfort of their homes, then have their orders delivered straight to their doorstep. From fresh Aussie fruits and vegetables, to chilled meats, frozen items, snacks, dairy, and household essentials — it’s all there.

A Decade in the Making

For years, Aldi stood firm against the tide of digital transformation in retail, arguing that its low-cost model couldn’t support the logistics of home delivery. But the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped global consumer habits, seems to have been the tipping point.

“Particularly after Covid,” said Padovani-Ginies, “our customers have been telling us they would love to be able to access our products more conveniently online.”

Despite growing competition in the supermarket space, Aldi claims this rollout isn’t about catching up with rivals. Instead, it’s about meeting customer expectations.

“We’ve been monitoring customer sentiment and the ongoing growth of the online channel,” he said. “We now have a partnership that allows us to deliver it to our customers in a way that benefits the efficiency of the business and provides our customers exactly what they are looking for.”

How It Works: Aldi x DoorDash

To access Aldi’s delivery service, customers will need to download the DoorDash app, search for “Aldi,” and then shop like they would with any food delivery platform. Shoppers can place on-demand orders or select a delivery window that suits them.

Prices will be mostly the same as in-store, but Aldi confirmed that some variances will apply, particularly due to DoorDash’s delivery and service fees — a standard across the grocery delivery space.

“There will be some price variances that customers will experience when they shop the app versus what they are used to paying in store,” Aldi said. “But DoorDash applies delivery and service fees that are standardised across all grocers in the vertical.”

Despite the added cost, Aldi reaffirmed its core commitment: affordability. “It is our intention to make sure that we are the most affordable alternative — whether that is bricks and mortar or buying online,” said the company.

Canberra Goes First, But Nationwide Plans Are Clear

While this trial is limited to Canberra, Aldi has made it clear that this is just the beginning. The company is aiming to eventually roll out delivery to 85% of Australian households.

The selection available through the DoorDash app is vast — and Aldi is betting big that once shoppers experience the convenience, they’ll keep coming back.

Industry experts say this is a smart move, albeit long overdue. With e-commerce rapidly becoming essential in modern retail, and consumer expectations higher than ever, Aldi’s move into digital marks a seismic shift in its business model — and perhaps the start of a new era.

What Shoppers Can Expect Next

• Live from July 9: Aldi delivery begins in Canberra.
• Over 1,800 products: Including fresh produce, frozen goods, and everyday essentials.
• Via DoorDash app: Download the app, search “Aldi”, place your order.
• Fees apply: Delivery and service fees are consistent with other grocers.
• Nationwide rollout expected: Goal is to reach 85% of Australian households.

The move follows a surge in online grocery shopping that started during COVID lockdowns and has since become a permanent consumer trend. And although Aldi may have taken longer than its rivals to join the digital race, the company is now poised to carve out a significant share of the market — especially among shoppers looking to balance value with convenience.

So if you’re in Canberra, lucky you — you get first dibs. For the rest of Australia, the Aldi delivery van may be pulling up to your driveway sooner than you think.