Investing in Precious Metals - Which is the Best Option?
Sep 30, 2022 - George Lucas
9:44 AM
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Image credit: regularguy.eth
When it comes to investing in precious metals, there are a lot of options to choose from. Gold and silver have been popular choices for centuries, but nowadays there are also options like platinum, palladium, and even rhodium.
So, which is the best option for you?
Gold
Gold has been used as a form of currency and as a store of value for centuries. It is popular because it is abundant enough to create coins but rare enough so that not everyone can produce them.
Gold is also malleable and does not corrode.
Investing in gold The downside of investing in gold is that it doesn't yield any interest, so you're essentially just buying and holding the metal.
Nowadays, there is also the possibility that the value could go down if the market crashes or if inflation increases. Still, thinking long-term about the recession that possibly follows, gold might be the right investment to go for.
How to think about Investing in Gold (for Beginners)
Ultimately, gold might be the right investment for you. If starting out, here's some basic advice to start with:
- Buy gold when the prices are low and sell when the prices are high.
- Invest in gold coins or bullions because they are easy to trade and you can get a lot of money for them.
- Also invest in gold mutual funds because they are a good way to diversify your portfolio.
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose.
- Always consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Silver
Like gold, silver has been used as a form of currency and as a store of value for centuries. Unlike gold, however, silver is more abundant, so it's not quite as valuable.
Silver is also less durable than gold, so it's more susceptible to scratches and dents.
The biggest downside of investing in silver is that its price can be very volatile. This means that the value of your investment could go up or down very quickly, and it's hard to predict which way the price will go.
You could make a lot of money if you invest in silver at the right time, but you could also lose a lot of money if you don't time it just right.
How to think about Investing in Silver (for Beginners)
When it comes to investing in silver, there are a few different ways to do so.
- You can purchase physical silver bullion, which come in the form of coins or bars.
- You can invest in silver mining stocks, which give you exposure to the companies that mine and produce silver.
- You can purchase exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the price of silver.
Platinum as an Investment
Platinum is a precious metal that is less well-known than gold or silver but which can still be a good option for investors.
Platinum is rarer than gold and palladium but less rare than silver. It's also more durable than both gold and silver, so it's less likely to be damaged.
The biggest downside of investing in platinum is that it doesn't offer much in terms of returns. In other words, you're not likely to make much money by investing in platinum. However, if you're looking for a safe investment that will hold its value over time, platinum could be a good option for you.
Investing in Platinum (for Beginners)
To invest in platinum, one must purchase the metal in some form. The two most common ways to do this are through coins or bars.
Platinum coins can be bought from various dealers around the world, while bars can be purchased from a variety of banks and mints.
Once you have acquired physical platinum, you must then decide where to store it. Many investors choose to keep their bullion in a safe deposit box at a bank, but there are also other storage options available.
Palladium as an Investment
Palladium is another precious metal that isn't as well-known as gold or silver but which can still be a good investment option.
Palladium is more rare than platinum but less rare than gold. It's also more durable than both platinum and silver, making it less susceptible to damage.
Palladium doesn't offer much in terms of returns either, so it's not an ideal investment if you're looking to make money quickly. However, if you're more interested in stability and preservation of capital, palladium could be a good choice for you.
Rhodium as an Investment
Rhodium is a valuable precious metal that is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is also an excellent investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolios.
Rhodium is rarer than gold and silver, and its price has been increasing steadily in recent years. In addition, rhodium is not susceptible to tarnishing or corrosion, making it an ideal choice for investors who want a long-term investment.
If you are considering investing in rhodium, it is important to do your research and understand the risks involved. However, with its rarity and inherent value, rhodium can be a wise addition to any investment portfolio.
Final Word
There are a lot of different precious metals to choose from when it comes to investing, and each one has its own pros and cons.
Gold is abundant and durable but doesn't offer any interest returns. Silver is less abundant but more volatile in terms of price movements.
Platinum is rarer than both gold and silver but doesn't provide much in terms of returns either.
Palladium falls somewhere in between platinum and gold in terms of rarity and offers similar returns prospects to platinum. And Rhodium, as the rarest one, is a challenge even for an experienced investor.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual goals and preferences as an investor.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/timeline-of-stock-market-crashes-5217820
https://goldirasecrets.com/precious-metals/why-invest-in-gold/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gold-vs-silver-investments-better-185522952.html
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/platinum-versus-gold-808974
https://energyindustryreview.com/metals-mining/investing-during-the-crisis-palladium/