🥇 Gold (XAU)
Properties: Most stable precious metal, traditional store of value
Uses: Jewelry (50%), investment (40%), technology (10%)
Characteristics: Low volatility, inflation hedge, currency hedge
Investment Forms: Physical bars/coins, ETFs, futures, mining stocks
🥈 Silver (XAG)
Properties: More volatile than gold, industrial applications
Uses: Industrial (50%), jewelry (25%), investment (25%)
Characteristics: Higher volatility, technology demand growth
Investment Forms: Physical silver, ETFs, mining stocks, futures
🏅 Platinum (XPT)
Properties: Rarer than gold, industrial applications
Uses: Automotive (40%), jewelry (30%), industrial (20%), investment (10%)
Characteristics: Supply constraints, automotive demand sensitivity
Investment Forms: Physical platinum, ETFs, mining stocks
🔩 Palladium (XPD)
Properties: Highest industrial demand, supply deficits
Uses: Automotive (80%), electronics (10%), jewelry (5%), investment (5%)
Characteristics: High volatility, supply-demand imbalances
Investment Forms: ETFs, futures, mining stocks (limited physical)
📊 Portfolio Allocation
- Conservative: 5-10% total portfolio in precious metals
- Moderate: 10-20% allocation during uncertain times
- Aggressive: 20%+ for inflation protection focus
- Diversification: Mix metals (60% gold, 30% silver, 10% others)
🛡️ Security & Storage
- Home Storage: Secure safe, insurance, limited amounts
- Bank Deposit Box: Secure but limited access
- Professional Vaults: Allocated/unallocated storage options
- ETFs: No physical storage needed, management fees apply