In the world of precious metals, silver is considered to be undervalued and a safe haven asset in times of economic turmoil. It’s also considered to be more liquid than gold, meaning that it can be sold quickly and easily in the market. However, investing in silver is not without risk. In fact, it’s important to carefully consider the different forms of silver and what each type has to offer investors before making a purchasing decision.
The traditional means of acquiring silver is through the purchase of physical bullion in the form of coins and bars. Although this approach can be more cost effective than other methods, it comes with several risks. First, silver investors need to find a trusted and reliable Akron silver dealer to work with. Additionally, the storage of physical metals can come with significant costs. Safety deposit boxes at banks carry annual fees while home safes can be costly to rent. In addition, precious metals buying and selling custodial accounts typically come with yearly storage fees.
Another option for buying silver is through futures contracts. This unique investment opportunity allows investors to buy and sell silver at a price that they choose; however, investors should remember that the potential for loss also exists with futures contracts. Additionally, futures contracts may be difficult to trade for new investors.
Lastly, investors may consider purchasing equity shares in silver mining companies. While this method is not as diversified as owning physical silver, it does provide a potential for profit from increased silver prices. However, investors should be aware that the success of mining company stock depends on a host of other factors unrelated to silver ownership.
As each individual investor’s needs and goals are different, there is no one answer as to what type of silver will yield the best results. Each investment method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, investors who are looking for the most liquidity might opt for an ETF or exchange traded fund that owns physical silver. However, this type of investment is not a good fit for those who are concerned about counterparty risk. The collapse of MF Global in 2011 illustrates the danger that can accompany this type of investment. Investors who held warehouse receipts for silver bars within the firm’s accounts were only paid 72 cents on the dollar by the liquidating trustee in the court-approved bankruptcy. With this knowledge in hand, prospective investors can make smart decisions that will help them maximize their silver investment.