Why Silver Doesn't Have The Same Mojo As Gold - iShares Silver Trust (ARCA:SLV)

Core Insights - Nassim Nicholas Taleb emphasizes the distinction between silver and gold, noting that central banks do not hoard silver, which affects its investment appeal [1] - Gold is preferred by central banks due to its established role as a reserve asset, while silver is more industrial, limiting its attractiveness for central bank reserves [2][3] Performance Comparison - Year-to-date, the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has surged approximately 74%, while the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has increased about 55% [3] - Silver's higher returns come with increased risk, as its Beta relative to the S&P 500 is around 1.4, compared to gold's 0.46, indicating more dramatic price swings for silver [3] Volatility and Risk - Silver's standard deviation of returns over the past year is nearly double that of gold, highlighting its volatility [4] - Investors should be aware of silver's industrial demand fluctuations and market liquidity, which can lead to sudden price shifts [4] Investment Vehicles - ETFs like SLV provide a way for investors to gain exposure to silver without holding physical metal, with SLV trading above $46 as of mid-October 2025 [5] - Despite its strong performance, silver's volatility and lack of central bank backing categorize it as a higher-risk investment compared to gold [5][6] Strategic Considerations - While silver may present short-term upside, its elevated volatility and absence from central bank reserves sharply differentiate it from gold [6] - Investors should consider both performance and risk when allocating to precious metals, as the market treats gold and silver very differently [6]