A global increase in the cost of living doesn’t just affect your everyday purchases; it can impact the value of your investment portfolio too, sometimes to drastic effect. Inflation is one of the biggest enemies of long-term investing and can cause you to lose money if you’re not careful and make wise decisions when investing in stocks, bonds, or other securities. Here are 10 best investments to make during inflation to stay ahead of the curve and avoid these big losses.

1) Stocks

There are two types of stocks you can invest in: common and preferred. Common stocks are more volatile than preferred stocks, but they have a higher potential return. Preferred stock has a fixed dividend that’s paid out over time, and investors get their investment back after a set period, regardless of whether or not the company is still in business. One way to add some stability to your portfolio is by choosing bonds with longer maturities.

2) Real estate

Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to make a profit during inflation. If you are looking for a way to invest without taking on too much risk, buying property can be an excellent option. The National Association of Realtors reports that home prices have increased by more than 1% year-over-year on average and while they could decline, they are not expected to drop significantly.

3) Precious metals

Investing in precious metals like gold, silver and platinum is a great way to protect your wealth from inflation. Gold is currently valued at $1,250 per ounce, which is up over 10% from one year ago. Precious metals are considered valuable for this reason because they have historically been a reliable investment during times of inflation. For example, during the Great Depression when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102 which forced Americans to turn their gold into the U.S.

4) Foreign currencies

One way to stay ahead of inflation is by investing in foreign currencies. Foreign currencies are relatively stable, which means they may not fluctuate as much as your country’s currency. That stability can help you stay ahead of inflation and make a profit during times when your country’s currency is declining. There are many different ways to invest in foreign currencies, so it’s best to do some research before making any big decisions.

5) Index funds

Index funds are one of the best investments to make during inflation because they provide you with a way for your money to grow and not lose any value. The money that is invested in an index fund is then invested into a combination of stocks, bonds, or other investments in order to try and mimic what’s going on in the stock market.

6) Treasury bonds

Treasury bonds are a safe and stable investment. The United States Treasury Department has never defaulted on its debt obligations, so if you’re looking for safety then this is an investment for you. The interest rates may be low, but that also means that there’s very little risk involved. Remember when I said little risk? That means that even during inflationary times, Treasury bonds will hold their value because they are backed by the US government.

7) Commodities

Commodities are one of the best investments to make during inflation. They are generally considered a safe investment as they typically have a low risk and can be bought in large quantities. Commodity prices can fluctuate wildly, but on average, they rise with inflation and drop when there is deflation. Examples of commodities include oil, gold, and wheat.

8) Art and collectibles

Art and collectibles are an often overlooked choice when it comes to investing. But, art can grow in value over time, and is one of the most accessible investments out there for those who don’t have a lot of money. If you’re looking for something with a quick turnaround on your investment, though, art may not be for you.

9) Wine

In terms of investing in wine, you can buy a bottle and hope it will appreciate in value over time. Or you could choose to invest in futures, which is a more hands-off way of investing. Buying futures means you’re signing a contract now to purchase that amount of wine at a set price on some future date. The price is determined by supply and demand (and yes, market speculation). If there’s an increase in demand for that type of wine, then the price goes up.

10) Savings accounts

Savings accounts are a great way to earn interest on money that you don’t need right away. The main downside is that they can limit how often you can access your money, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for an investment. Plus, they are FDIC insured up to $250,000.

• Money in savings accounts is FDIC insured up to $250,000 per individual or jointly per account so even if a bank goes under, your money will be safe.