A dossier by the strategic editorial team of Ares Maximus
In an era characterised by technological disruption and geopolitical realignment, one fundamental insight remains: True strength needs a physical foundation. While digital values often only reflect the fleeting mood of the markets, gold stands for the imperishable.
Success is no coincidence. It is the result of clarity and responsibility. Ares Maximus stands for values that endure - for gold in thought and strength in action.
1. the psychology of value: why we trust gold (problem & origin)
The question of why mankind has placed such a high value on gold, of all things, for thousands of years cannot be explained by industrial utilisation alone. It is a deeply rooted psychological decision. Gold is „condensed permanence“. It does not oxidise, it does not decay and it is beyond human control - it cannot be multiplied at the touch of a button.
This physical integrity creates trust. In a world where paper currencies are based on the promises of institutions, gold is based on the laws of nature. This „architecture of trust“ makes it the ultimate shield against uncertainty. Historically, gold has always proved superior when trust in centralised systems has waned. It is the only „stateless“ currency that does not require the endorsement of a central bank to be accepted worldwide.
2 The evolution of security: a look through the centuries
The definition of „security“ has changed over the eras, but gold has always remained at its centre.
- The classical gold standard (1880-1914): In this era, gold was the direct foundation of global purchasing power. Currencies were firmly tied to physical gold, creating a period of exceptional price stability. A look at the data shows that an ounce of gold was valued almost constantly during this phase.
- Bretton Woods and the „Nixon Shock“ (1944-1971): Gold remained the anchor of the US dollar until the direct peg was cancelled in 1971. Since this decoupling, gold has acted as an „inverse barometer“ for confidence in the global financial system.
- The modern era: Since the 1970s, gold has evolved from a fixed price point to a dynamic strategy asset. The price has risen from around USD 35 (1970) to the current price of 4,978.98 USD on 16 February 2026.
[Graphic placeholder: Development of the gold price 1880 - 2026, showing the stability during the gold standard and the parabolic development after 1971].
The return on gold as an investment peaked in 2025 at over 67 %, which emphasises the return of investors to hard assets.
3. gold as crisis radar: safety in the storm
Gold is the only asset that often emerges stronger from systemic crises. While stock markets and fiat currencies come under pressure during geopolitical upheavals, gold shows its stabilising effect.
[Infographic placeholder: Gold price in the context of global crises. Markers: 1973 (oil crisis), 2008 (financial crisis), 2020 (pandemic), 2024-2026 (geopolitical fragmentation)].
Data from the last few decades proves this: Gold is not only a hedge against inflation, but a radar for systemic instability. The higher the geopolitical tension, the stronger the protective function of gold becomes.
4. currency vs. money: the universal medium of exchange
Although gold is not an official state currency today, it is used worldwide as the most effective medium of exchange. The reason lies in its universal liquidity. Gold does not need a licence to be valuable. It can be converted directly into local liquidity in any trading centre in the world.
This is due to the historical experience that gold is not subject to „counterparty risk“. A banknote is a claim against a bank or a state - gold is the value itself. This characteristic makes it irreplaceable in times when global payment systems are used as political instruments. The global demand for 4,606.2 tonnes in 2024 makes it clear that both private investors and institutions see gold as „real money“.
5 The BRICS strategy: a tectonic shift in world currencies
We are facing a redefinition of global liquidity. Countries such as China and Russia have massively expanded their gold reserves. Russia increased its reserves from 1,208.19 tonnes in 2014 to over 2,332.7 tonnes in the year 2024.
The forecast from Ares Maximus: The discussions within the BRICS countries about a gold-backed unit of account („the unit“) are aimed at neutralising the volatility of fiat currencies. If a system is established that is primarily backed by physical gold, this will upgrade gold from a reserve asset to an active trade cover.
Analysts predict that gold will de facto become the second world currency - as a physical standard for the global South and as a counterweight to unbacked currency systems.
6 Ares Maximus: Responsibility as a return factor (security)
In this highly dynamic market environment, access to gold is a strategic core competence. Ares Maximus combines this access with the security requirements of modern partners.
We believe that trust is the most valuable asset that can be fostered. Our way of working is therefore based on three pillars:
- Integrity of the supply chain: We are committed to full transparency and compliance with the highest international standards (LBMA). For us, responsible sourcing is the basic prerequisite for long-term success.
- Strategic foresight: We analyse the global markets not in quarters, but in decades. We see the shifts within the BRICS countries as an opportunity for a new era of stability.
- Sustainability: Our aim is to combine economic growth with ecological responsibility. A CO₂-neutral approach to our processes is not a goal for the distant future, but part of our identity today.
Conclusion: Growth needs substance
The world of 2026 demands managers who know the difference between price and value. Gold is the anchor in stormy seas. The historical stability since the gold standard of 1880, the psychological depth of trust and the strategic reorientation of the global East show: The future belongs to those who focus on real values.
Ares Maximus offers you the security of a partner who combines expertise with attitude. We create values that last.
Ares Maximus - Gold in thought, strength in action.
