We live in a world where resources are limited. Everything that is scarce is valuable, as a high price tag is typically attached to things that are hard to come by. When it comes to metals, there are a few different types of metals that are considered metallic assets due to the fact that it is difficult to obtain them and their rarity.

For the purpose of financial investment, rare metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are common examples. These precious metals have been used as currency for a very long time, and even though they have been largely replaced by paper and plastic money over the years, they are still regarded as valuable investments and have a variety of uses in industry.

But which precious metal makes the most sense to put money into? Should you put your money into a tangible asset or a paper representation of metal? What are some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with purchasing precious metals as an investment?

These are some of the questions that keep running through the minds of investors as they search for ways to bolster their wealth. This post is for you if you are considering investing in precious metals or are just beginning to investigate the various investment opportunities available to you.

In this article, you will find out some of the benefits and drawbacks of investing in precious metals, as well as information regarding four different precious metals that are good investments. So, let’s get started.

What Metals Are Considered Precious Metals?

The term “precious metals” refers to a category of metals that are categorized according to the high economic value that is associated with them. They command a high price due to their scarcity or the difficulty of acquiring them.

Additionally, the high demand for precious metals as well as their use as an investment product to diversify portfolios and reduce exposure to risk are some of the reasons why precious metals have a high monetary value associated with them.

There are a number of precious metals; however, the gold, silver, platinum, and palladium markets are the ones that attract the most attention from investors. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each investment opportunity available to you so that you can make a more educated choice when it comes to investing your money.

GOLD

We’ll begin with the most important one of them all first. Gold is exceptional in that it does not rust or corrode, it can be shaped into many different forms, and it is able to conduct both heat and electricity. It has some applications in industry, such as dentistry and electronics, but the primary uses that we are familiar with for it are as a base for jewelry and as a form of currency.

The market is the one that decides what its value is twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Gold prices are primarily determined by market sentiment because the forces of supply and demand have a smaller impact on the precious metal’s value. This is due to the fact that the amount of gold stored above ground vastly outweighs the amount of gold that is produced by new mines. To put it another way, the price falls whenever hoarders get the urge to sell their items. When they have an interest in purchasing, any new supply is quickly purchased, which drives up the price of gold.

The desire to stockpile the bright yellow metal is being driven by a number of factors, including the following:

• Worries about the economy as a whole. Gold is frequently sought after as a reliable form of value storage in times when monetary institutions and governments are thought to be unstable, or when political stability is uncertain.
• People tend to flock to gold as an asset that will maintain its value when real rates of return (RoR) in the equity, bond, or real estate markets are negative. This is because gold is a precious metal.
• Conflict or tense political situations. People have always been more inclined to hoard gold in times of political unrest and times of conflict. A person’s entire lifetime’s worth of savings can be made portable and stored until it is required to be exchanged for nourishing foods, safe shelter, or safe passage to a location with fewer risks.

Gold is undoubtedly the precious metal that is in the greatest demand. It is one of the most sought-after metals in the world because of its exceptional physical and chemical properties, such as non-reactivity, durability, malleability, and conductivity, as well as the industrial and economic applications of the metal. And because of the high demand for it, it is one of the precious metals with the highest price.

In this context, it is essential to keep in mind that the price of gold is not established solely on the basis of the concepts of demand and supply. Even though demand and supply are two of the most important factors, the value of gold continues to rise for a number of other reasons.

• For risk diversification purposes, the central banks of many different nations around the world invest in gold.
• The precious metal is utilized extensively in the jewelry industry, with the United States of America, India, and China constituting the top three largest consumers. In addition to this, it has practical applications in the fields of medicine and electronics.
• Gold is kept as a store of value during times of economic unpredictability because of gold’s ability to act as a hedge against inflation.
• Since the “easy gold” has already been mined, gold mining companies are now required to dig deeper in order to reach high-quality reserves.

It is impossible to have a well-rounded portfolio of investments in precious metals without including gold. Gold has always been of significant economic importance, and it is highly likely that it will continue to be one of the most sought-after precious metals in the future as well. As a result, you should definitely include gold as a precious metal investment in your portfolio.

SILVER

In contrast to gold, which has managed to maintain its significance as both an investment vehicle and a store of value, silver is able to partially serve the same purpose while also satisfying a fair share of demand for its application in the industrial sector.

In the business world, it is put to use as a catalyst in the production of industrial chemicals, as well as in the manufacture of electronic devices, batteries, medical devices, and devices used in the automotive industry.

Consequently, the demand for silver is created not primarily by investors but rather by manufacturers in a variety of different industries. This is the case because silver is an extremely versatile metal. As a direct consequence of this, the demand from the industrial sector has a significant impact on the price of silver.

It is important to note that the recent expansion of various industries, such as the market for microcircuits, medical products, electronic appliances, and other industrial items, will have a significant impact on the price of silver. This is important to keep in mind because the price of silver is influenced by the demand from industry.

It is not yet clear how this increase in demand will affect the investment demand for silver; however, one thing is certain: because silver can be used as a store of value, it is an excellent choice if you are planning to invest in precious metals; in addition, it has a wide range of applications in the industrial sector.

Gold and silver are both regarded as stable investments that have the potential to be profitable even in the midst of economic instability. If you are anticipating turbulent times, you might want to consider investing in gold and silver as a means of spreading your risk and protecting yourself from the adverse effects of economic downturns.

In contrast to gold, the price of silver is affected by both its perceived role as a store of value and its role as an industrial metal. Consequently, the price of silver can be quite volatile. As a consequence of this factor, the price fluctuations that occur on this market are more erratic than those that occur on the market for gold.

The industrial supply and demand equation for the metal has an equally strong influence on the price of silver, despite the fact that its price is roughly comparable to that of gold in terms of an item to be hoarded. This equation has always been subject to change as a result of new developments such as:

• The introduction of digital cameras has rendered silver’s once-dominant role in the photography industry obsolete. Silver-based photographic film was once the industry standard.
• The emergence of a sizable middle class in the emerging market economies of the East has resulted in an explosion in the demand for electrical appliances, medical products, and other industrial items that require inputs of silver. Because of its useful properties, silver is widely used in a variety of applications, from bearings to electrical connections.
• The use of silver in microcircuits, superconductor applications, and battery manufacturing are three major markets for silver.

PLATINUM

Platinum is more expensive than gold due to the fact that it is a more scarce precious metal. South Africa and Russia are the two countries around the world that have the largest concentrations of platinum mines.

And because there is a limited supply, prices are not determined by the market forces of supply and demand. Instead, the price is largely determined by the industry’s two most important producers. This arrangement, which is similar to a cartel, reflects itself in terms of platinum’s prices that are artificially inflated.

The fact that platinum is mined to a much lesser extent and has a much smaller global reach than the bright yellow metal (gold) makes it an excellent option for financial investments.

However, just like silver, platinum is in high demand from a variety of industries. The demand for platinum is driven primarily by the computer industry, the petrochemical industry, and the automotive industry.

In addition to that, it is also worn as jewelry. If you are thinking about purchasing this precious metal as an investment, you should always keep in mind that platinum is the precious metal with the highest degree of price volatility due to the nature of its demand.

On the international commodity markets, platinum is traded around the clock, just like gold and silver are. Due to the fact that it is much rarer than gold, it typically has the tendency to sell for a higher price (per troy ounce) during times when the market and the government are both relatively stable. The amount of metal that is actually extracted from the ground each year is much lower.

The price of platinum is also determined by a number of other factors, including the following:

• Platinum, much like silver, is a metal that is commonly used in industrial applications. The production of automotive catalysts, which are utilised to lessen the severity of emissions, is the sector that places the greatest demand for platinum. Following this, the most important category is jewellery in terms of demand. The remainder is utilised in the production of petroleum and chemical refining catalysts, in addition to the computer industry.
• The supply and demand equation, in addition to the geopolitical climate in the countries where platinum mining occurs, are two major factors that have a significant impact on the price of platinum. In this regard, prices have been determined, for the most part, by the total number of automobiles sold and produced. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in vehicle production, which led to a reduction in demand for autocatalysts, which account for a third of the total demand for platinum. This caused prices to fall.
• The demand for the metal increased by 21% during the first quarter of 2021, while supplies decreased by 5% during that same time period. This increase in demand was primarily driven by the automotive industry, and it could lead to an upward tick in the price of the metal.

In 2022, there was a slight increase in demand, amounting to 2% more. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the growing popularity of zero-emission vehicles may put upward pressure on prices.

PALLADIUM

Palladium is an additional precious metal that is worthy of consideration as an investment option. The majority of the world’s supply of this precious metal comes from mines in the United States of America, South Africa, Russia, and Canada.

Although it is not as well-known as gold, silver, or platinum, it has a significant number of applications in the commercial sector. It finds application in a variety of manufacturing processes, one of which is electronic product assembly.

In addition to its application in the treatment of groundwater, it is also utilized in the fields of medicine and dentistry. Palladium, the less expensive sister element to platinum, is also used in the automotive industry as a catalytic converter. This is one of its primary applications.

The precious metal is widely utilized for the generation of renewable forms of electricity, such as solar energy, due to its physical properties, which include its conductivity as well as its malleability.

In addition, palladium is utilized in the production of jewelry, where it is combined with unadulterated gold to create alloys that are superior in strength and visually distinct from traditional yellow gold. The metal is also utilized in the production of coinage.

It is now abundantly clear that industries are the primary source of demand for palladium. However, given the widespread application of palladium in industries, it also appears to be a lucrative option for investors as well.

However, just like the price of its sister element, palladium’s price fluctuates widely, making it potentially one of the precious metals with the highest level of investment risk. However, taking on additional risk typically results in higher returns; consequently, the investment decision you make will be heavily influenced by the investment strategy you employ and the level of risk you are willing to take.

Palladium is a metal that is less well-known than the three metals that were just discussed because it is used more frequently in industry. Palladium is a metal that has a silvery sheen to it, and it is used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes, especially those involving electronic and industrial goods. Additionally, it has applications in dentistry, medicine, jewellery, various chemical processes, and the treatment of groundwater.

The United States, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia, and Finland are home to a significant number of mines that produce rare metals, the majority of which contribute to the world’s supply of the element with the atomic number 46 on the periodic table of elements.

In 1939, jewellers began incorporating palladium for the first time into jewellery. The alloy produces a metal that is more durable than white gold when it is combined with yellow gold. Tonga’s king Taufa’ahau Tupou IV was crowned in 1967, and the year of his coronation was commemorated on palladium coins that were put into circulation. This is the first time that palladium has been used in coinage that has been documented.

Palladium can be rolled out into sheets that are as thin as one two hundred fifty thousandths of an inch if it is worked properly. Palladium in its purest form can be shaped easily, but once the metal has been worked at room temperature, it stiffens up and becomes more resistant to deformation. After that, the sheets are put to use in things like fuel cells and solar energy applications.

The most significant application of palladium in industry is found in catalytic converters. This is due to the fact that palladium is an excellent catalyst that can speed up various chemical reactions. This lustrous metal is 12.6% more difficult than platinum, which contributes to the element’s greater durability than platinum.

Should You Invest In Actual Metals Or Paper Representations Of Them?

After learning about some of the precious metals in which you could invest, it is time to address the second most important decision regarding investments, which is “whether you should invest in precious metals physically or go for paper investment.”

Each alternative presents its own set of difficulties as well as potential benefits, but before we get into that, let’s define what we mean by “paper metals.”

Investing in gold derivatives, also known as “paper metal,” does not provide direct access to actual gold in the form of bullion. Investing in paper metal can be done in a number of different ways, including the following:

• Commodity Exchange Traded Funds (ETF),
• Stocks and Mutual Funds of precious metal miners,
• Certificates,
• Futures and Options

You won’t be able to decide whether or not you should buy physical or paper metals until you have a thorough understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with either investing in precious metal in its physical form or opting for a paper alternative.

INVESTING IN A PAPER METAL COMPANY HAS MANY BENEFITS

EASE IN MAKING AN INVESTMENT

Putting money into paper metals is a very simple process. You are able to read the terms and conditions and come to a decision regarding your investment all without leaving the convenience of your own home.

NO HAZARD TO THE PURITY OF THE METAL

When physically investing in metals like gold and silver, one of the most important factors to take into account is the purity of the metal.

However, if you invest in paper metal, the issuer guarantees the product’s high level of purity, so you won’t have to worry about that aspect of the investment.

EASE OF LIQUIDATION

The process of liquidating an investment in paper metals is just as uncomplicated as the process of making the investment in the first place.

Paper metals are extremely liquid, which means that an investor can quickly convert them into cash with just the click of a mouse and easily avoid the hassle of transporting the asset in order to liquidate it.

NO COST OF HOLDING

If you make an investment in a paper metal, you won’t have to pay the additional cost of holding that’s normally associated with the physical storage of precious metals because you won’t be holding any of the precious metals.

This may involve paying an additional premium for insurance on your precious metals or paying a higher monthly rent to rent out a locker facility.

SECURE ARRIVAL

Your investment in paper metals, such as sovereign bonds, acts as a store of value and provides regular returns as long as you continue to hold the investment.

DISADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN PAPER METAL

Putting money into paper metals is fraught with a number of potential dangers. Some examples of these are as follows:

NO PHYSICAL VALUE

Paper gold may lose its value, particularly when economic conditions are unstable, in contrast to actual gold, which can be held in one’s possession and sold whenever one chooses to do so.

The primary reason for this is that you do not possess anything tangible to use as support for the paper.

COUNTERPARTY RISK

The counterparty risk that comes with investing in paper metal is likely the most significant risk associated with this type of investment.

The issuer of paper metal, whether it be an exchange-traded fund (ETF), a metal mining company, or a limited partnership, always runs the risk of going bankrupt. If this occurs, you will suffer a loss on your investment because you will not be in physical possession of the asset you purchased.

RISK OF SCAM

Investing in paper metals always carries a high risk of falling victim to a con because the value of any asset that is not present in its physical form cannot be independently verified.

The benefits of making an investment in a physical metal

Investing in physical metals comes with a number of benefits that, when compared to the drawbacks discussed in the previous section, are nearly identical.

Investing in physical metals can provide a number of benefits, including the following:

PHYSICAL POSSESSION

The fact that you can actually hold the metal that you invest in is probably the most significant benefit of doing so.

The pleasure that comes with owning any precious metal is only natural, and you can experience this joy by making an investment in that metal.

STORE OF VALUE

In times of economic unpredictability, precious metals can not only be used as a store of value but also as a currency that can be easily liquidated and used as security against an economic system that is in the process of collapsing. Precious metals are a good store of value.

INVEST IN RISK MANAGEMENT

Investing in a physical metal is an excellent way to hedge against inflation risk, which should be a concern for many people.

Generally speaking, an increase in the value of precious metals acts as a hedge against inflation.

INVESTING IN A PHYSICAL METAL HAS ITS SHARE OF DISADVANTAGES

Investing in a physical metal comes with a number of potential drawbacks, including the following:

RISK OF THEFT OR LOSS

It is difficult to avoid the risk of theft or loss when a burglary occurs. There is always the possibility of theft and loss when you keep a precious metal in a location that is easily accessible, such as your home.

COST RELATED TO STORAGE

To mitigate the effects of the first drawback, investors are frequently required to either insure their holdings or move them to a more secure location.

Therefore, they typically wind up paying insurance premiums or charges for availing themselves of a locker facility, both of which are included in the costs associated with owning the precious metal and storing it.

REGULATORY RISK

The laws governing ownership and the taxation of returns on investments may be subject to change, which typically works against the investor. This is a risk that can be easily avoided by investing in paper versions of precious metals, such as gold and silver.

You should now be in a better position to make an appropriate investment decision because you have gained an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with investing in both paper metals and physical metals. It is essential to keep in mind that the choice you make regarding investments is influenced by a number of different factors, including the following:

• The metal you are planning to invest in,
• Your investment strategy (long-term investment/short-term) and
• Your investment style (risk-averse/risk-taker).

With so much information about which precious metals make the most suitable investment and whether to go for physical or paper metals, let’s move on to the final section highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of investing in precious metals. In this section, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of investing in precious metals.

Investing in Precious Metals Has Its Advantages

RESISTANCE TO THE CRISIS

The ability to protect one’s wealth from adverse economic conditions is among the most significant benefits of investing in precious metals. In general, the value of precious metals is more likely to remain stable during times of economic uncertainty because precious metals are more resistant to the effects of economic uncertainty.

Due to the fact that the value of precious metals is not directly influenced by the state of the economy, purchasing precious metals can be considered an extremely attractive form of investment.

SECURITY

One more argument in favor of investing in precious metals is the limited availability of these assets. Precious resources have a restricted supply, which means that they will run out at some point.

Nevertheless, because most precious metals are also used in industry, the demand for them will continue to be there in the foreseeable future. Therefore, making an investment in precious metals today can give you peace of mind because you will own a valuable resource that you will have the ability to sell and profit from in the years to come.

Furthermore, inflation is an unavoidable economic phenomenon that occurs all over the world; however, having precious metals in one’s possession provides security against inflation.

The value of precious metals is determined by demand and supply, in addition to a number of other factors, and it continues to rise regardless of the state of the economy. As a result, it is considered a secure location for investors because it provides protection against inflation.

VALUE DENSE

There is no credit risk associated with precious metals. They are more resistant than other types of investments, such as stocks and bonds, and can protect you from the effects of inflation as well as economic uncertainty. Investing in precious metals is a smart move for a number of reasons, including the value density of these assets.

Investing in Precious Metals Can Have Its Downsides

Precious metals are not an exception to the rule that every investment comes with its own unique set of drawbacks and risks; they are not an exception.

It is best to make a physical investment; however, as was discussed in the previous section, making a physical investment in precious metals comes with the following difficulties:

STORAGE AND SECURITY

Investing in precious metals in their physical form presents a number of challenges, the most significant of which are related to the storage and protection of the metals.

When storing precious metals in a secure location, the investor is typically responsible for paying additional fees, such as insurance premiums and fees associated with the use of a locker facility.

LOW LIQUIDITY

Although having a precious metal in one’s possession has a number of advantages, one of the most significant disadvantages is that it has a low liquidity.

When compared to their paper counterparts, physical assets are more difficult to sell than those that are held in paper form.

SUPPLY-SIDE ISSUES

A potential drawback of investing in precious metals is the possibility of encountering supply-side issues. This is in addition to the difficulties that come with physically investing in precious metals.

Although precious metals have a reputation for reducing risk and protecting investors from the effects of economic volatility, this may not always be the case. The supply side may be experiencing some technical imbalances, and as a result, investors may be subject to repercussions, such as decreased prices and a lack of availability of the resource.

Do You Believe That Investing in Precious Metals Will Be Profitable for You?

The unique protection they provide against inflation is provided by precious metals. They have their own inherent value, there is no risk associated with them, and they cannot be inflated. That rules out the possibility of printing any more of them. In addition to this, they provide genuine insurance against the occurrence of financial, political, or military upheavals.

From the perspective of investment theory, precious metals offer a low or negative correlation to other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds. This is an attractive characteristic. Because of this, even a modest allocation of one’s portfolio to precious metals can result in a reduction in both volatility and risk.

The Dangers of Precious Metals

Each type of investment carries its own unique set of potential downsides. Investing in precious metals always involves some level of risk, despite the fact that doing so may come with a certain degree of security. It is possible for the prices of metals to decrease due to technical imbalances (more sellers than buyers), shifts in supply and demand, geopolitical issues, and other factors associated with the market. Having said that, sellers stand to benefit during times of economic uncertainty because prices have a tendency to skyrocket.

Bottom Line

Investing in precious metals is becoming increasingly common for a variety of reasons that are readily apparent. If you are new to the world of metal investing, we are confident that by this point, you are aware of the precious metals to invest in as well as whether you should go for physical or paper investments. If this is the case, we welcome you to the world of metal investing!

Again, the decision you make regarding your investment depends on the investment strategy and approach you take, but the information presented here will undoubtedly assist you in selecting the best option.