Platinum: A Lesser Known Precious Metal

By Mike Smash


One of the few investments that has remained a safe choice even in today's economy is precious metals. Gold and silver are the most popular, but palladium and platinum are also sound investments. Since the beginning of civilization, precious metals have been a sign of wealth and security. Gold was used for art, jewelry, and even currency and has always been a fascination of people.

As the economy continues to decline, the interest in precious metals continues to increase. Precious metals like gold will often retain their value regardless of what happens with the market. Because of this, investors have started flocking to the precious metals market. The price of gold has been steadily increasing. The price of platinum per ounce is usually twice the price of gold. However, because of the declining economy, platinum has been trading lower than gold.

Gold is the precious metal that everybody knows about, but there are other precious metals that should be looked at in terms of investment potential. Choices include the metals market for palladium, platinum and silver. These metals are used for industrial and high tech applications in addition to jewelry, coins and bullion.

Analysts consider precious metals a good way to diversify your portfolio. Precious metals have been popular with investors during economic hardships and times of war. Gold is currently trading at $1708.50 per oz and platinum is at $1582.20 per oz. Silver is at $32.67 per oz and palladium is at $650 per oz. It's important to pay attention to these prices if you are thinking about investing.

You have several options if you decide you want to invest in platinum or another precious metal. You may choose to buy stock in a mining company or an ETF - exchange traded fund. Platinum is also traded on the London Platinum and Palladium Market and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). If you choose to go with another precious metal, gold can be purchased as coins, bars, ETF's, gold accounts, and other options.




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