Pros and Cons of Investing in Silver
Just like any other investment, silver investment has its own share of positives and negatives. Silver investment can prove to be profitable in certain circumstances, while in others, it can lead to losses as well. That’s why, before going ahead with any kind of silver investment, be it silver coins, silver bars, silver bullion, silver exchange-traded funds, or silver certificates, you should be well-aware of all the advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Let’s start with the positives first. Silver is a very versatile metal. It can be sold in exchange for money. It can be traded like stocks and shares. And it can also be bartered for other goods! So, even if the economy is going through a slump, if you are holding the silver, you can always make some good use of it! Also, if you are ever in a financially weak condition, you can sell off your silver investments in exchange for money and use the same for running your home.
You would be surprised to know that any changes in the value of the currency have an opposite effect on the price of silver. In recent times, you must have observed that the value of the dollar has come down. Now, if a person has silver investments, this situation is actually profitable for him! This is due to the fact that when the value of the dollar comes down, the price of silver goes up! Considering the economic situation today, this makes it the right time to invest in silver.
One of the biggest advantages of silver investment is that if you compare the Pros and Cons of Investing in silver vs gold, the amount that you would need initially is much lesser. This is because silver is a much cheaper metal. So anyone, even those who have a comparatively small amount of money at their disposal, can invest in silver.
Last, but not the least, investment in silver is considered safe. There will never come a time in the future when silver is not needed. Silver is used in manufacturing electronics, worn as ornaments, used in technology, etc. In fact, junk silver jewelry is a new fad and everyone, right from celebrities to commoners are lapping it up. So, invest in silver in any form – silver coins, bullion, certificates or ETFs and be sure that it will never ever lose its shine!
Disadvantages
On the flip side, if you are holding silver coins and bars, there is always a risk that it can be stolen and you end up losing all your investment. Also, just like any other investment, there is a potential risk that the silver prices will fall in the future. Then there are investment advisers who say that instead of the Pros and Cons of Investing in silver, invest in shares or mutual funds or bonds. Through such investment instruments, you can earn a lot more profit.
Another drawback is that if you need immediate cash, then silver might not be very useful for you. Although you can go to a jeweler and sell it off in exchange for money, the entire process can take some time, and thus, your need for immediate cash might not get fulfilled.
Before Pros and Cons of Investing in silver, evaluate all aspects thoroughly. There is no doubt that silver investment is comparatively safer in this time of inflation, yet, there is always a risk of the silver prices falling in the future! Nevertheless, it can prove to be a profitable investment option in the long run, despite all the disadvantages, provided you invest at the right time, i.e., when the prices are down, and sell it off at an appropriate time too, i.e., when the silver prices peak!
