Why investors are flocking to silver and platinum, not just gold

Core Insights - The rally in precious metals, particularly silver and platinum, indicates a broader trend towards hard assets as investors seek tangible stores of value amid geopolitical uncertainties [4][8] - Silver prices have surged 69% year-to-date, reaching around $49 per ounce, while platinum has increased by 83%, trading near $1,660 per ounce [1][2] - Gold has also seen significant gains, up 54% this year, with prices surpassing $4,000 per ounce [3] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The current market shift reflects a transition from speculative investments to structural demand for precious metals, driven by a desire for security in an increasingly fragmented world [4][6] - Central banks are engaging in unprecedented gold buying, indicating a long-term structural demand for real assets rather than short-term speculative trading [6][8] Group 2: Geopolitical Influences - The erosion of trust in traditional safe havens, such as the US dollar and Treasuries, is prompting both institutional and sovereign investors to seek alternatives outside the conventional financial system [5] - Geopolitical tensions, particularly the West's sanctions against Russia, have intensified the appeal of gold and other precious metals as safe-haven assets [5][7]