Investing

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    Gold ETF AUMs Surged 26% In 2024, Says World Gold Council

    Total assets under management (AUMs) in gold-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) hit record highs of $271 billion in 2024, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).

    This represented a 26% year-on-year increase and was driven by a soaring bullion price.

    The yellow metal hit new all-time highs on 40 occasions last year, the WGC noted. Over the whole year, gold appreciated 26% in value to around $2,629 per ounce.

    Source – Forbes

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    Gold rose but weaker than expected: December report

    Spot gold rose 0.5% to $2,663.79 per ounce, as of 9:55 a.m. ET (1455 GMT) and hit its highest since Dec. 13. U.S. gold futures gained 0.5% to $2,679.70.

    Weaker private payrolls “is contributing to gold’s move, because ultimately, weaker employment numbers imply that the economy has been weaker than many had expected,” said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities.

    “The bigger factor will be U.S. nonfarm payrolls on Friday, the market is expecting a change of 163 (thousand); anything significantly above that will be negative for gold,” Melek said.

    Source – Reuters

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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

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    Vizsla Silver shares surge on resource

    This is an update on the 5 year project possibly longer.

    Shares of Vizsla Silver shot up by 12.0% during the morning session, trading at a near 52-week high of $2.76 apiece.

    “This update reflects the excellent mineralized continuity that exists at Copala. Reducing the space between drill holes at Copala to 25 metres has resulted in a significantly higher-grade profile in the upper levels of the resource and PEA mine plan,” Vizsla CEO Michael Konnert said in a statement.

    Source – Mining.com

    More Info!

    Vizsla Resources expands Napoleon with multiple high-grade intercepts at Panuco project, Mexico

    News on this topic from October 2020.

    Vizsla President and CEO, Michael Konnert, commented: “Recent drilling continues to grow the Napoleon discovery area where the best new intercepts are from the deepest holes completed.  Mineralization has been extended to the south over 50m and is completely open at depth.  The broad intercepts in NP-20-25 and NP-20-27 as well as the internal high-grade veins increase the possibility of both open pit and underground mining scenarios.  The Company’s aggressive exploration program is targeting three vein corridors in the district and it is exciting to see the benefit of systematic drilling around our multiple discoveries, particularly the addition of significantly more mineralization at Napoleon.”

    Source – Junior Mining Network

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    US Copper’s updated PEA estimates NPV over $1 billion

    Moonlight – Superior project in California

    The study envisions a mine life of 14 years, producing 903,000 tonnes of copper, plus 12 million oz. of silver and 63,000 oz. of gold. A majority of the production will come from mining the sulfide mineralization at Moonlight-Superior.

    US Copper CEO Stephen Dunn said the PEA, which a culmination of several years of planning, drilling, metallurgical testing and engineering studies, confirms “substantial economic opportunity” at current copper prices that can be realized through the development of a series of open pit mines on the property.

    PEA – preliminary economic assessment

    NPV – Net Present Value

    Source – Mining.com

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    Gold prices fall as yield rises

    Spot gold fell 0.2% to $2,634.52 per ounce by 2:27 a.m. ET (1927 GMT). U.S. gold futures settled 0.3% lower at $2,647.40.

    “Bond yields are back up again, placing pressure on gold,” said Nitesh Shah, commodity strategist at WisdomTree.

    “There’s speculation that Trump is going to pull back on tariffs … If (the prices of) commodities go up, inflation’s going to remain higher for longer,” Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures, said.

    Source – Reuters

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    Robert Kiyosaki predicts colossal market crash

    “GIANT MARKET CRASH here. Q: How can I be so bullish on gold, silver, and Bitcoin? A: Because the idiots running the Fed, Treasury, Banks, and Wall Street only know how to print money, which makes things worse. FYI: When fake money is printed the rich, who own real assets get richer…. while the poor and middle class, who save fake money, get poorer due to inflation and taxes. Let inflation make you richer, not poorer. Save gold, silver, and Bitcoin. Take care. Crash is here,” Kiyosaki wrote

    Source – Benzinga

    Robert Kiyosaki is an American businessman and author of ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ and other personal finance books.

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    Silver could still outperform gold in second half of 2025

    “The white metal may get squeezed, as recovering Asian demand absorbs recent inventory builds in the aftermath of the Chinese slowdown and the base metal concentrate processing capacity increases,”

    “We project the metal to average $36/oz in the final months of next year, making it a commodity outperformer as the XAU/XAG ratio challenges yearly lows.”

    “With its low correlation to traditional assets such as equities and bonds, silver offers powerful diversification benefits,” Silver Institute said. “Historically, silver has proven its value during times of economic and geopolitical crises, serving as a reliable hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and systemic financial instability. In the context of the modern global landscape, this role has become even more pronounced.”

    Source – KITCO NEWS / written by Ernest Hoffman

  • Silver Assets for Retirement: Coins, Bullion and Stocks

    Silver has long been a fascinating investment vehicle for retirement planning, offering a unique blend of tangible assets and potential financial security. As I am continuing to learn that precious metals are a great investment, silver investments have historically provided a hedge against economic uncertainties.

    Let’s explore three primary options that can help you diversify your retirement portfolio and potentially protect your hard-earned savings.

    Understanding Silver as a Retirement Investment

    Let me be real – when I first started exploring retirement investments, silver coins were the only thing on my radar. But after doing research alternative investment strategies, I’ve learned that other silver options can be a game-changer for savvy investors.

    Silver has proven to be more than just a shiny metal. It’s a strategic asset that can help balance your investment portfolio. Here’s why:

    • Historical performance shows silver often moves inversely to traditional stock markets
    • It provides a tangible hedge against inflation
    • Silver has intrinsic value beyond financial markets
    • Multiple investment options allow for flexible strategies

    My first silver investment was a bit nerve-wracking. I remember wondering if I was making a smart move or just throwing money at a random commodity. Turns out, understanding the market dynamics is crucial.

    Key factors influencing silver’s investment value include:

    • Industrial demand (electronics, solar panels, medical technologies)
    • Global economic conditions
    • Currency fluctuations
    • Mining production levels
    • Geopolitical tensions

    Silver Coins – The Collector’s Investment Strategy

    Ah, silver coins – where investment meets collectibility! I’ll never forget when I saw a collection of rare silver coins, each piece telling a unique story while potentially increasing in value. I grew very invested in the idea of collecting silver for myself to later put aside for retirement. It was and is a slow process for me but here are some things I’ve learned since I’ve been collecting.

    Types of silver coins for investment include:

    • American Silver Eagles
    • Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
    • Numismatic collector coins
    • Commemorative silver coins
    • Pre-1965 U.S. circulated silver coins

    Pros of silver coin investments:

    • Potential for appreciation beyond metal value
    • Portable and easily stored
    • Collectible aspect adds potential value
    • Lower entry point compared to larger bullion

    Cons and potential challenges:

    • Higher premiums over spot price
    • Authentication and grading costs
    • Storage and insurance considerations
    • Market for collector coins can be volatile

    Pro tip: Always purchase from reputable dealers and get proper certification for valuable numismatic coins. If you’re going to a coin show or collectable show make sure you know what you’re looking at before purchasing.

    Silver Bullion – Pure Precious Metal Investment

    Nothing beats the simplicity of silver bullion. It’s like owning a chunk of pure potential, sitting right in your safe or investment portfolio.

    Different forms of silver bullion include:

    • Silver bars (various weights)
    • Silver rounds
    • .999 fine silver products
    • Industrial-grade silver blanks

    Advantages of physical silver bullion:

    • Direct ownership of precious metal
    • No counterparty risk
    • Universal recognition
    • Easy to liquidate
    • Potential hedge against economic instability

    Storage challenges to consider:

    • Secure storage requirements
    • Insurance costs
    • Potential transportation complexities
    • Physical security measures

    Cost-effectiveness varies. While bullion typically has lower premiums than collector coins, you’ll need to factor in storage and security expenses.

    Silver Stocks – Paper Silver Investment Options

    Silver stocks represent an alternative investment strategy that allows investors to gain exposure to the silver market without physically owning the metal. Think of these as a paper representation of silver’s potential value, offering a more flexible and potentially less complicated investment approach.

    Types of Silver Stocks:

    1. Silver Mining Companies These are stocks of companies that extract silver from the ground. It’s like investing in the machinery and workforce behind silver production rather than the metal itself.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Publicly traded companies on major stock exchanges
    • Revenue directly tied to silver extraction and sales
    • Potential for significant returns based on:
      • Successful mining operations
      • Efficiency of extraction
      • Management quality
      • Global silver prices

    Examples of Notable Silver Mining Companies:

    • First Majestic Silver Corp
    • Wheaton Precious Metals
    • Pan American Silver
    • Hecla Mining Company
    1. Silver Streaming Companies A unique investment model where companies provide upfront capital to mining operations in exchange for the right to purchase silver at predetermined prices.

    Unique Advantages:

    • Lower operational risks compared to direct mining
    • More consistent revenue streams
    • Diversified portfolio of mining projects
    • Reduced exposure to direct mining challenges
    1. Silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) These are investment funds traded on stock exchanges that track silver prices or hold physical silver.

    Types of Silver ETFs:

    • Physical Silver ETFs (directly backed by silver)
    • Silver Mining Company ETFs
    • Futures-based Silver ETFs

    Investment Dynamics:

    Pros of Silver Stock Investments:

    • High liquidity compared to physical silver
    • No physical storage requirements
    • Potential for dividend income
    • Easier portfolio management
    • Lower transaction costs
    • Opportunity for more significant returns

    Cons and Risks:

    • Indirect exposure to silver prices
    • Subject to stock market volatility
    • Company-specific performance risks
    • Management inefficiencies can impact returns
    • Potential underperformance compared to physical silver

    Performance Factors:

    • Global silver demand
    • Industrial sector performance
    • Technological innovations
    • Economic conditions
    • Geopolitical tensions
    • Mining exploration success
    • Extraction costs

    Investment Strategy Considerations:

    • Diversify across multiple silver-related stocks
    • Research company fundamentals
    • Monitor global economic indicators
    • Understand correlation with silver spot prices
    • Consider long-term growth potential

    Tax Implications:

    • Typically taxed as capital gains
    • Potential dividend income
    • Different tax treatment compared to physical silver
    • Consult with tax professional for specific guidance

    Recommended Allocation:

    • Financial experts typically suggest 5-10% of portfolio
    • Depends on individual risk tolerance
    • Part of broader precious metals strategy

    Silver stocks aren’t just about the metal—they’re about the companies’ ability to extract, manage, and profit from silver resources. It’s like investing in the potential of a garden, not just the seeds.

    Practical Advice for Investors:

    • Start with a small, diversified position
    • Use dollar-cost averaging
    • Stay informed about market trends
    • Don’t rely solely on silver stocks
    • Regularly rebalance your portfolio

    Emerging Trends:

    • Increased demand from green technology
    • Growing industrial applications
    • Potential impact of electric vehicle production
    • Renewable energy sector growth

    Silver stocks offer a dynamic, flexible approach to silver investment. They provide exposure to the silver market with lower barriers to entry compared to physical silver, but they come with their own set of complexities and risks.

    Comparing Investment Options

    Let’s break down the key differences:

    Silver Coins:

    • Best for: Collectors and those valuing tangible assets
    • Pros: Collectibility, potential numismatic value
    • Cons: Higher premiums, storage challenges

    Silver Bullion:

    • Best for: Direct metal ownership, long-term holding
    • Pros: Pure asset, no counterparty risk
    • Cons: Storage costs, limited liquidity

    Silver Stocks:

    • Best for: Investors seeking market exposure
    • Pros: Liquidity, potential dividends
    • Cons: Market volatility, indirect ownership

    Conclusion

    Silver investments offer a compelling avenue for retirement diversification, each option presenting unique advantages and challenges. By understanding the nuanced differences between silver coins, bullion, and stocks, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

    Remember, successful silver investing isn’t about going all-in, but about strategic allocation. Consult with a financial advisor, do your research, and consider your personal retirement objectives.

    Your retirement portfolio is like a garden – diversification is key. Silver can be that interesting, potentially valuable plant that adds something special to your financial landscape.

    Disclaimer: Always conduct thorough research and consider consulting a financial professional before making investment decisions.