Are you interested in investing in silver? If so, you’re not alone. Many investors turn to precious metals like silver when they want to diversify their portfolio and protect themselves against inflation. And with the recent spike in silver prices following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, it’s clear that many people see it as a safe haven during uncertain times.
So, how can you invest in silver? Well, there are a few different options to consider. In this article, we’ll go over five of the best ways to buy and sell silver, from owning physical silver to investing in silver mining companies.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, there’s sure to be an option that works for you. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of silver investing!
Table of Contents
4 Best Ways to Buy and Sell Silver
1. Physical Silver
Investing in physical silver, whether in coins or bullion, can be a gratifying way to invest in this precious metal. The best part is that you have possession of it and can use it if you need to. Owning physical silver can be an easy task as well. You can purchase U.S. coins made before 1964, which contain approximately 90 percent silver, and you can buy them at the value of their silver content.
The only way to profit from physical silver is by selling it at a higher price than what you paid for it, in case the price of silver goes up. However, unlike a quality business, physical commodities like silver do not generate any cash flow.
You can buy physical silver from local dealers, pawn shops, or online dealers such as APMEX or JM Bullion. Some specialized dealers even let you purchase entire bars, not just coins.
Before making a purchase, keep in mind that it can be easy to overpay for physical silver, so make sure to note the spot price to ensure you are getting a fair deal. If you need cash quickly, you may not be able to get the full value for your physical silver, particularly if you have to go through a dealer.
If you plan on buying collectible coins, watch out as you may end up paying extra for the collectibility of the coin, meaning you’re overpaying for the actual silver content. Finally, like all physical assets, silver is susceptible to theft, so be sure to safeguard it and consider insuring it.
2. Silver Futures
If you’re interested in betting on the ups and downs of silver prices without physically owning the metal, silver futures could be a great option. With silver futures, you can even take delivery of the metal, although most people use these contracts to speculate rather than acquire silver.
One of the advantages of silver futures is the high leverage they offer. You don’t need a lot of capital to have a large position in silver, which means you could potentially earn significant profits quickly. However, keep in mind that losses could also accumulate rapidly if silver prices move against you.
It’s important to note that leverage works in both directions, which means that it magnifies both gains and losses. If the market turns against you, you might have to put up more money to maintain your position, and if you can’t, you may have to accept a loss when your broker closes out your position.
Futures are complex financial instruments and are better suited for experienced traders. To start trading silver futures, you’ll typically need a large account balance. Additionally, not all online brokers offer futures trading, so you’ll need to do some research to find a suitable platform.
3. Silver ETFs
Investing in physical silver can be risky, but there’s an alternative option to consider: exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that own physical silver. By investing in ETFs, you can potentially benefit from owning silver if the price rises while minimizing some risks, such as theft.
ETFs offer liquidity, which means that you can sell your silver at the market price on any day that the stock market is open. The return on your investment in ETFs is the silver prices minus the expense ratio of the ETFs.
If you’re interested in investing in ETFs that own physical silver, there are two main options: iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR). Alternatively, traders can also bet on the silver market via an ETF that owns futures contracts through ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ). However, note that this is better as a short-term bet than a long-term hold due to how the fund is structured.
It’s important to remember that silver, like gold and other commodities, can be volatile, especially over short periods. But with ETFs, you can avoid some of the bigger risks of owning physical silver, such as the risk of theft, illiquidity, and poor pricing when it’s time to trade.
4. Silver Mining Stocks
Investing in stocks of silver mining companies is a smart way to take advantage of the growing silver market.
Owning a miner can bring you two benefits. Firstly, if the price of silver goes up, the company’s earnings will probably increase too. In fact, silver miners’ profits tend to rise at a faster rate than the price of silver itself.
Secondly, the miner has the potential to increase its profits over time by raising production. So, you can benefit from silver in two ways: investing in the price of the metal and the company’s profits.
However, investing in individual mining companies comes with risks. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research to ensure that you’re investing in a high-quality company that has a good chance of success. Many miners are risky businesses, and some haven’t even started mining silver yet. Additionally, because the profits of mining companies are tied to the volatile price of silver, their stocks can also be unpredictable.
Pros and Cons of Investing in Silver
If you’re thinking about investing in silver, there are some things you should know. While it can be a valuable asset to add to your portfolio, there are both pros and cons to consider before making a decision.
Pros
- Potential to provide high returns. In fact, over certain periods of time, it has even outperformed stocks – one of the most highly regarded asset classes.
- Act as a store of value. That means it can hold its value and even gain over time. This provides a way for investors to generate profits.
- Generally a liquid market. Certain types of silver assets are highly liquid, which makes it easy to buy and sell as needed.
- Less correlated to asset markets like stocks. This means it can act as a hedge against those markets, potentially reducing risks and increasing returns.
- Help diversify a portfolio. Adding silver to your investment portfolio can help reduce overall risk as it is less correlated to other assets.
Cons
- No cash flow: Silver itself doesn’t produce cash flow, which can make it challenging to know when it’s a good time to buy.
- Price speculation risk: Investors looking to profit must rely exclusively on someone else paying more for the precious metal than they did.
On the other hand, investing in businesses – whether through individual stocks or ETFs – can provide multiple ways to profit through the rising price of the commodity or the increased earnings of the business. This can make investing in businesses a more attractive option for some investors.
All things considered, silver is definitely a valuable asset that has a lot to offer investors. Whether you’re looking for high returns, a store of value, or diversification for your portfolio, silver is worth considering. Just remember to do your due diligence and weigh the potential risks and benefits before making any investment decisions.
When is the Best Time to Invest in Silver?
Silver can offer investors an excellent opportunity to diversify their portfolios and generate significant returns. However, timing is crucial when investing in silver, as market conditions can affect the price of silver. Here’re the best times to invest in silver:
1. Mine Production Shortfall
A supply shortfall can occur when mine production falls below expectations due to operational or financial challenges. This can reduce the amount of silver available for sale, causing the price to rise.
2. Economic Uncertainty
Another good time to invest in silver is when there is economic uncertainty. Silver is considered a safe-haven asset that investors turn to during times of economic turmoil or political instability. When investors lose confidence in the stock market or the economy, they often turn to silver as a store of value, which can drive up the price.
3. Inflationary Periods
Silver can act as a hedge against inflation. When the value of the currency falls, silver prices tend to rise. Therefore, investing in silver during inflationary periods can be a wise decision.
4. Government Stockpiling
Governments sometimes choose to stockpile precious metals like silver for strategic or economic reasons. For example, a government may stockpile silver as a hedge against currency fluctuations, as a means of backing their currency, or to support domestic industries that rely on silver.
5. Rising Demand from Industries
Investors may also want to consider investing in silver when there is an increase in demand from industries that use silver, such as electronics and solar panel manufacturers. When demand from these industries increases, it can create upward pressure on the price of silver, making it a good time for investors to invest.
Final Words
Investing in silver is not for everyone. Some investors prefer to focus on businesses that generate regular cash flow instead of investing in the metal itself. Super-investors like Warren Buffett also favor businesses over commodities because they offer multiple ways to win.
Owning physical silver can be expensive and challenging to manage, which is why it’s easier and less costly to invest in stocks or ETFs. These investments are more liquid and can be sold more easily than physical silver.
However, investing in physical silver has its benefits, such as no counterparty risk, unlike other investments that rely on an exchange or a company. But, the responsibility of safekeeping the investment falls solely on the investor.
So, before investing in silver, it’s essential to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and whether investing in silver aligns with your overall investment strategy.