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Platinum supply and demand forecast

Platinum demand outpaced supply by 995,000 ounces last year. That was 46 percent higher than forecast.

Meanwhile, platinum jewelry sales grew by 8 percent in 2024, and investment demand took off, rising by 77 percent.

The WPIC forecasts that jewelry demand will reach 2 million ounces this year, an increase of 2 percent year-on-year.

Source – Money Metals

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  • How to maximize Gold and Silver Investments

    I’ve been fascinated by investment strategies recently, and precious metals have always held a special place in my heart and financial toolkit. Gold and silver aren’t just shiny objects – they’re powerful financial instruments that can transform your investment approach when used strategically.

    Imagine having a financial safety net that not only protects your wealth but potentially grows it during economic uncertainties. That’s exactly what a well-crafted gold and silver investment strategy can do. In this guide, I’ll go over some techniques to maximize your precious metal investments.

    Understanding the Precious Metals Landscape

    Precious metals are more than just alternative investments – they’re economic chameleons that adapt to global financial conditions. Gold and silver have been trusted stores of value for thousands of years, but their modern investment potential is more complex and exciting than ever.

    Many people today are looking at more stability for their investments in case something happens in the digital world that will be hard to recover from. Precious metals is what people are looking for.

    Historical performance tells a fascinating story. During economic downturns, these metals often shine brightest. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, gold prices surged by over 200%, while silver demonstrated remarkable resilience. This isn’t coincidence – it’s a testament to their intrinsic value and economic significance.

    Key factors influencing metal prices include:

    • Global economic stability
    • Inflation rates
    • Currency fluctuations
    • Geopolitical tensions
    • Industrial demand
    • Central bank policies

    Diversification Strategies for Precious Metal Portfolios

    Successful investing is about balance, and precious metals are no exception. Think of your investment portfolio like a well-designed recipe – each ingredient plays a crucial role.

    Optimal allocation typically ranges from 5-10% of your total investment portfolio. This sweet spot provides protection without overexposure. Here’s a breakdown of potential allocation strategies:

    • Conservative investors: 5-7% allocation
    • Moderate investors: 7-10% allocation
    • Aggressive investors: 10-15% allocation

    Diversification isn’t just about percentages – it’s about mixing investment vehicles:

    • Physical bullion (coins and bars)
    • ETFs tracking metal prices
    • Mining company stocks
    • Precious metal mutual funds
    • IRA-backed metal investments

    Advanced Buying Strategies

    Timing is everything in precious metal investments. It’s like surfing – you need to read the waves and position yourself perfectly.

    Dollar-cost averaging emerges as a brilliant strategy. Instead of trying to time the market perfectly, you invest a fixed amount regularly. This approach smooths out market volatility and reduces the risk of making a single, poorly-timed large investment.

    Pro tips for smart purchasing:

    • Research reputable dealers
    • Verify authenticity of physical metals
    • Compare pricing across multiple platforms
    • Consider storage and insurance costs
    • Stay informed about market trends

    Investment Vehicles Comparison

    Not all precious metal investments are created equal. Each vehicle offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks.

    Physical Bullion:

    • Pros: Tangible asset, direct ownership
    • Cons: Storage costs, potential liquidity challenges

    ETFs:

    • Pros: Easy trading, no physical storage
    • Cons: Management fees, no physical possession

    Mining Stocks:

    • Pros: Potential for significant returns
    • Cons: Influenced by company performance, not just metal prices

    Tax-Efficient Investment Approaches

    Taxes can significantly impact your investment returns. Smart investors understand how to minimize tax liability while staying completely compliant.

    Key strategies include:

    • Utilizing tax-advantaged retirement accounts
    • Holding investments for more than one year to qualify for long-term capital gains rates
    • Keeping meticulous records of purchases and sales
    • Consulting with a tax professional specializing in alternative investments

    Risk Mitigation and Protection

    No investment is without risk, but precious metals offer unique protection mechanisms. Think of them as financial insurance policies.

    Critical risk management techniques:

    • Never invest more than you can afford to lose
    • Spread investments across different metal types and investment vehicles
    • Regularly rebalance your portfolio
    • Stay informed about global economic indicators
    • Consider professional investment advice

    Future-Proofing Your Precious Metal Investments

    The future of precious metals looks incredibly promising. Emerging technologies, particularly in green energy and electronics, are driving unprecedented demand for silver and gold.

    Technological innovations like advanced solar panels and cutting-edge electronics rely heavily on these metals. This means your investment isn’t just a hedge – it’s potentially positioned for significant growth.

    Conclusion

    Maximizing gold and silver investments isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s a strategic, patient approach to building financial resilience.

    Your next steps? Start small, stay informed, and continuously educate yourself. The world of precious metal investing is complex but incredibly rewarding.

    Ready to take control of your financial future? Begin your research, consult professionals, and remember – knowledge is your most valuable asset! It doesn’t hurt to ask questions in fact it’s a benefit.

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    Platinum, palladium likely to lag gold and silver again – UBS

    Prospects for platinum group metals in 2025 look similar to previous years, UBS says, adding that it expects platinum to outperform palladium , and both to lag gold and silver once again.

    The investment bank, meanwhile, has a forecast of a 25% return for silver, with prices trading in a $36-38/oz range.

    “Hence, we hold a more nuanced outlook for the overall precious metal sector, with a more attractive risk-reward in gold/silver versus platinum/palladium. Within the platinum group of metals, platinum remains favored over palladium, considering the higher volatility and lower liquidity of the latter,” analysts added.

    Source – Seeking Alpha

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    Foreign traders banned from gold markets

    Ghana has banned all foreigners from trading in its local gold market as part of efforts to boost national revenue and streamline the country’s mining sector.

    It follows the enactment of a new law earlier this month that grants exclusive authority of gold mining to a new state body, the Ghana Gold Board

    “All foreigners are hereby notified to exit the local gold trading market not later than 30th April, 2025,” said GoldBod spokesperson Prince Kwame Minkah in a statement.

    However, foreigners are allowed to apply to buy or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod but can no longer operate within the local gold value chain.

    “It sends a strong message to foreign actors – especially Chinese operatives – who have circumvented local laws for years,” Nana Asante Krobea, a mining governance consultant

    Source – BBC

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    Marine Corps minted coins honoring 250th anniversary

    The coins are available in gold, silver and clad metals and can be purchased individually or as a set. The $5 gold coin depicts the Marine Corps Color Guard; the $1 silver coin shows the flag raising at Iwo Jima; and the half-dollar clad coin features two Marines, one wearing the continental uniform of 1775 with a musket, and the other in modern-day camouflage uniform holding an M4 service rifle.

    Source – Stars and Stripes

  • The Lords of Fortune company to recover gold from RMS Republic 1909 shipwreck

    The R.M.S. Republic sank Jan. 24, 1909, after a collision in dense fog with the S.S. Florida off the coast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.

    The Lords of Fortune company has identified two cargoes — a $25 million Tsarist gold shipment and an $800,000 U.S. Navy shipment, both 1909 face values when gold was $20.67 per ounce.

    With a successful recovery, an $8 million investment should return $200 million conservatively, according to Capt. Martin Bayerle of Lords of Fortune LLC.

    Add the Russian gold, 45 tons of United States gold $10 eagles on melt value alone, and you exceed 100 times, he said.

    Source – Coin World

    This is amazing! Wondering if there’s as much as they say there is. Hopefully there isn’t too much damage to the gold from the salt water. Can’t wait to see pictures or video of the excavation. -V.