Silver Doesn't Have The Same Mojo As Gold Because Central Banks Don't Hoard It, Nassim Nicholas Taleb Says

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][6] - Gold is favored by central banks due to its established role as a reserve asset, while silver is primarily viewed as an industrial metal [2][3] Central Banks' Preference - Central banks historically prefer gold for its liquidity, durability, and universal recognition, making it a key choice for reserve diversification [2] - Silver's appeal is limited for central banks despite its price gains, as it is not considered a monetary asset [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 volatility is illustrated by its Beta of around 1.4 relative to the S&P 500, compared to gold's Beta of 0.46 [3] Volatility and Investment Risks - Silver's standard deviation of returns over the past year is nearly double that of gold, indicating greater price swings [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 convenient way for investors to gain exposure to silver without holding physical metal [5] - As of mid-October 2025, SLV is trading above $46, reflecting strong performance and market enthusiasm for silver [5] Conclusion on Investment Strategy - While silver may offer short-term upside, its elevated volatility and absence from central bank reserves differentiate it from gold [6] - Investors should consider both performance and risk when allocating to precious metals, as the market treats gold and silver differently [6]