ON A RAMENÉ UN KILO D’OR EN PLATEAU : TOUS LES SECRETS DU MÉTAL LE PLUS PRÉCIEUX AU MONDE

The video features an interview with Jean-François Forté, founder of Aucoffre.com, a platform for buying and selling precious metals, primarily gold. The discussion delves into the nature of gold as an investment, the company's operations, and the challenges in the gold market. Forté explains that Aucoffre.com allows individuals to buy gold and store it in high-security vaults in Switzerland, rather than keeping it at home. This concept, he emphasizes, addresses the security concerns associated with owning physical gold. The company currently manages between 1 billion and 1.3 billion euros worth of gold. He highlights the significant increase in the price of gold over the past two decades, noting that 1 kilogram of gold is now worth around 135,000 euros, a substantial rise from its value in 2000. This surge is attributed to geopolitical instability and economic crises, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have made gold a sought-after safe-haven asset. Forté argues that gold's value is not merely an increase in its price but a reflection of the devaluation of fiat currencies like the euro, which lose value annually due to inflation. He uses the analogy of a cow, explaining that its value in terms of sustenance and labor has remained relatively constant over millennia, whereas the value of currencies fluctuates dramatically. Similarly, 30 grams of gold could buy a cow 5,000 years ago, and it still can today, demonstrating gold's stability as a store of value. Aucoffre.com was founded in 2009 by Forté, who was driven by his own difficulties in purchasing gold for his translation company in 2006. He recounts how his bank was ill-equipped to handle gold transactions, and his attempts to buy gold through physical shops were met with uncertainty and potential for being overcharged or undervalued. He also experimented with online platforms like eBay, which offered transactions between individuals but lacked the professionalism and security he sought. This experience led him to create a platform that offered a secure, transparent, and accessible way to invest in gold, with the key differentiator being the storage in secure vaults. The company now employs around sixty people and is a leader in its niche of online precious metal trading with secure vault storage. Forté emphasizes that the name "Au Coffre" (In the Vault) directly reflects this core offering. The interview also touches upon the historical significance of gold, its extraction, and the meaning of carat ratings. Forté explains that 24-carat gold is pure gold, while 18-carat gold signifies an alloy where 18 out of 24 parts are gold. A significant portion of the video is dedicated to showcasing physical gold. Viewers are shown various gold items, including coins, small and large bars, and even substantial gold jewelry. The discussion highlights how 1,000 euros invested in gold in the year 2000 would yield a significantly larger quantity of gold than the same amount invested today, illustrating the dramatic price appreciation. To demonstrate the tangible nature and weight of gold, a 1-kilogram gold bar is presented. Forté emphasizes its immense density, explaining that a 1-kilogram bar is surprisingly small, and a cubic meter of gold weighs 19.3 tons. He shares an anecdote about the weight of a 1-kilogram bar feeling disproportionately heavy for its size. The value of this 1-kilogram bar is stated to be between 130,000 and 140,000 euros. The video contrasts this with historical purchasing power, noting that in 1972, 1 kilogram of gold could buy a Renault 5 car, whereas today, it could purchase multiple modern cars. This comparison underscores the decline in the purchasing power of fiat currency relative to gold. Forté also discusses the security measures employed by Aucoffre.com, including storage in Swiss free ports, which are tax-exempt zones that offer high levels of security. He elaborates on the concept of free ports as secure storage for valuable goods, akin to a museum vault, protected by armed guards. The company's operations are subject to rigorous audits by external specialists and auditors, as well as by statutory auditors, to ensure transparency and security. The origin of gold is also explored. Forté states that Aucoffre.com primarily sources gold from recycling rather than directly from mines, as he believes there is sufficient gold already extracted globally and that further mining should be prohibited. He emphasizes working with foundries that guarantee the use of recycled gold and ensure its ethical sourcing. The program includes a hidden camera segment where two journalists attempt to sell gold coins to various dealers. This segment reveals a concerning lack of honesty among some dealers, with significant discrepancies in the prices offered for the same gold pieces. In one instance, a rare coin valued at 2,500 euros was offered at only 550 euros by one dealer, and all six pieces, with a minimum total value of 6,000 euros, were offered for a maximum of 3,800 euros. This highlights the importance of researching the value of one's gold and comparing offers from multiple reputable sources. Forté explains that Aucoffre.com allows customers to purchase gold starting from around 60-70 euros, offering half-gram units in the form of compressed jewelry stored in their vaults. This makes gold accessible to a wider range of investors. Regarding taxation, Forté clarifies that investment gold is generally exempt from VAT upon purchase. When sold, a flat tax of 11.5% is applied to the total value, which he describes as a "liberatory tax" that simplifies the process and avoids complex declarations. He also mentions a tax exemption for gold held for over 22 years, provided proper documentation is maintained. The conversation touches upon the security of the company's operations, including physical security, which is outsourced to free ports, and cybersecurity. Forté emphasizes the significant investment in cybersecurity, employing ethical hackers to test the system's defenses and offering bug bounties for identifying vulnerabilities. The company holds ISO 27001 certification, indicating its commitment to information security management. Forté expresses his passion for entrepreneurship, not for the monetary figures, but for the satisfaction of creating successful and useful ventures that provide him with freedom of choice and the ability to take calculated risks. He notes that Aucoffre.com experienced a tenfold increase in business during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the closure of physical gold dealers and banks, reinforcing gold's role as a safe-haven asset during times of crisis. The video concludes with a discussion about passing gold as an inheritance. Forté suggests that gold is best viewed as an insurance policy for one's wealth and a valuable asset to be transmitted to future generations rather than simply sold. He advises on the legal and tax implications of transferring gold as an inheritance, emphasizing the importance of transparency and proper legal procedures. Finally, Forté reiterates that Aucoffre.com offers a secure and accessible way to invest in gold, encouraging viewers to visit their website for more information. He also shares his belief that gold, alongside Bitcoin, represents an important alternative currency in a world increasingly reliant on fiat currencies. He highlights gold's intrinsic qualities, such as its durability, resistance to corrosion, and malleability, which have contributed to its long-standing value and appeal.