Investing in precious metals, such as gold and silver, grabbed immense investor attention last month on renewed expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts in June. A lower interest rate environment raises the demand for gold and silver, as the precious metals do not pay any interest, making them more appealing than alternative investments like bonds.
Both yellow and grey metals are considered as a store of wealth for investors. They are often used as a means of preserving wealth during times of financial and political uncertainty, and usually do well when other asset classes struggle. Factors such as the forthcoming U.S. presidential election, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict enhance both metals’ attractiveness to investors (read: Gold ETFs Outperform in March).
Gold is making a series of new all-time highs lately, whereas silver hit a new two-year high. The ultra-popular SPDR Gold Trust ETF GLD, which tracks the price of gold bullion measured in U.S. dollars, has gained 9.3% in the past month. In comparison, iShares Silver Trust SLV, the ultra-popular silver ETF, has outperformed its gold cousin, climbing 12.6% in the same timeframe.
The other two silver ETFs — abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF SIVR and Sprott Physical Silver Trust PSLV — have outperformed GLD, having gained 12.7% and 13.6%, respectively, in a month.
Silver has an edge over gold, as the grey metal is used in a number of key industrial applications. As the global economy is improving, industrial and manufacturing demand is picking up, driving silver prices. The white metal is used in a wide range of industrial applications. About half of the metal’s total demand comes from industrial applications, while 30% comes from jewelry/silverware/coins and medal manufacturers.
The Silver Institute predicts 2024 to be a banner year for the metal, with prices potentially hitting a decade-high. Global demand is expected to reach 1.2 billion ounces this year, which would mark the second-highest level on record, given the continued strength of industrial end-uses, and a recovery in jewellery and silverware demand. The institute anticipates a 9% increase in demand for silverware and a 6% rise in jewelry demand this year, with India expected to drive the jump in jewelry purchases.
Source: yahoo finance
For more Updates Do follow us on Social Media
Facebook Page https://bit.ly/3blw5Rg
Instagram https://bit.ly/3MsRHbP
YouTube https://bit.ly/3LjGj2L
Twitter https://bit.ly/3E9IO5U
Linkedin https://bit.ly/3M17Xlk
WhatsApp Group https://bit.ly/JewelBuzz13
Comments