Investing in platinum
Update: 1 August 2024 Reading time: 4 min
Everything you need to know about investing in platinum
Platinum is one of the most versatile and valuable precious metals worldwide. This precious metal can serve as a diversification tool in an investment portfolio and offers unique investment opportunities. We will explain more about investing in platinum compared to other precious metals and inform you about the specific advantages and risks involved.Investing in platinum versus other precious metals
There are several key differences between investing in platinum and investing in other precious metals such as gold and silver. Firstly, platinum tends to exhibit more price volatility, meaning its price can rise and fall more rapidly. For investors, this presents both opportunities and risks.The price of platinum is heavily influenced by industrial applications, such as in the chemical and automotive industries, whereas silver serves both industrial and investment purposes, and gold is primarily viewed as a safe haven. Additionally, there is scarcity to consider. Platinum is rarer than silver and gold and is primarily mined in Russia and South Africa. As a result, the price of platinum is more sensitive to economic and geopolitical conditions in these regions compared to gold and silver.
How and where to invest in platinum
There are several ways to invest in platinum, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can buy physical platinum in the form of coins and bars. One benefit is that you obtain a tangible asset, and physical platinum can be traded worldwide. A potential drawback is the need for secure storage.Investing can also be done through Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). These funds track the price of platinum and offer good opportunities to invest without needing to purchase physical platinum. ETFs can be easily traded on the stock market and are liquid. However, with ETFs, you do not own physical platinum.
Investing in shares of companies that mine platinum is another option, providing indirect exposure to platinum prices but comes with market fluctuations and company-specific risks. Lastly, you can choose futures or options on platinum, which allows for speculation on price changes, but requires in-depth market knowledge due to the high risk involved.
What are the risks of platinum investments?
Investing in platinum carries several risks. The price of platinum can fluctuate significantly, potentially leading to substantial gains but also significant losses. The price is closely tied to industrial demand, which can be influenced by factors such as shifts in the automotive industry, including the transition to electric vehicles that use less platinum.Geopolitical risks also play a role, as platinum is primarily mined in Russia and South Africa. Supply disruptions may occur due to labor strikes, political instability, and other issues within these regions. Current conditions in these areas could lead to scarcity and an increase in platinum prices.
What are the benefits of investing in platinum?
Despite the risks, investing in platinum offers notable benefits. Platinum can be a valuable addition to an investment portfolio due to its rarity. The diverse industrial applications of platinum provide a solid foundation for demand, and its price volatility can lead to significant returns, especially during periods of rising industrial demand or economic growth. Investors can easily enter and exit positions due to the liquidity in the platinum market.Disclaimer: The Silver Mountain does not provide investment advice, and this article should not be considered as such. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Manager Inkoop Edelmetaal | Stocks, cryptocurrencies and precious metals