For centuries, gold has dominated the markets as a secure store of value. Silver, being another essential store of value, has all the necessary characteristics to become the number one precious metal.
Silver has always been important, and many investment portfolios consider it a must-have. Demand for this metal is constantly growing, thanks to the many advantages it offers.
The importance of silver
Silver is considered the most important precious metal in all industries today. It is widely used in manufacturing industries ranging from electronics to medical equipment.
Today, it is indispensable across many sectors: electric vehicles, 5G networks, solar panels, and all new technologies.
In terms of volume, silver far outstrips gold. In 2023, global silver production exceeded 26,000 tonnes, a much higher figure than global gold production, which reached just 3,500 tonnes. Such a difference demonstrates the importance of silver in industry compared to its competitor, gold.
A remarkable rise in demand from manufacturers has led to a rise in the price of silver, which is becoming increasingly volatile and dependent on manufacturers.
A look back at the evolution of silver
Like all assets, silver has experienced crises and peaks. In the 1970s, silver prices kept pace with inflation, rising sharply to $48 an ounce by the end of the period, only to fall below $10 between 1980 and 1990.
With the arrival of the 2000s, silver regained its high value, peaking at around 50 dollars an ounce in 2011. Since then, prices have remained stable. Its current value is around 33 dollars.
Silver’s promising future
In 2024, almost all industries will be moving towards environmentally-friendly solutions. Silver is crucial for solar energy production, as it is an essential component in photo-voltaic cells. It is also a key element in the automotive industry. Demand for electric vehicles is growing rapidly, and as a result, the volumes of silver needed to produce the batteries for these vehicles are rising steadily.
Historically, gold has always been the safest store of value. Silver is increasingly seen as a store of value. With a lower price than gold, silver is more accessible to investors and offers a hedge against inflation and market volatility, as well as portfolio diversification.
Will silver overtake gold?
While gold remains the most dominant precious metal, silver’s potential cannot be ignored. For the moment, silver is not worth more than gold, but in the near future silver has the potential to overtake gold thanks to emerging technologies and its increased role in green energy.
