The
global precious metals market is complex and its value is dependent
on various global and local economic variables. Precious metals are
rare in nature and possess unique characteristics such as high
conductivity, corrosion resistance, and catalytic capabilities, which
make them suitable for various industrial applications. The four
major precious metals - gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are
also used for investment purposes. According to Grand View Research,
the global precious metals market is estimated to witness a
substantial growth in coming years. The stable Indian bullion market
and stronger global growth are also expected to drive demand for gold
jewelry in coming years. On top of that, increasing industrial demand
for sliver, specifically from solar energy, is expected to boost the
market growth. In the meantime, palladium is widely used for
industrial purposes and its demand is directly proportional to growth
of automobiles and electronics. Other industrial applications of
precious metals include nuclear energy, photography, cutlery,
antibiotics, computer parts, oil refining, space travel vehicles,
bushings, and decorative.
Earlier in 2019, palladium had become the most valuable of the four major precious metals, with an acute shortage driving prices to a new record. According to Bloomberg, the metal is a key component in pollution-control devices for cars and trucks, and the metal's price doubled in little more than a year, making it more expensive than gold. Then, earlier this week, palladium prices broke records once again; This Wednesday, March palladium futures jumped 8.1 percent on the day, trading at approximately $2,504 an ounce. The increase is influenced by the supply-demand outlook, which continued to boost prices to new highs. Spot prices hit record highs of $2,590 an ounce earlier in the session. "At the start of the year, we were looking for upside risk for the palladium market, but prices have rallied further than we thought they would. Given how tight the market is, it is likely that we are going to continue to see further upside risk," Standard Chartered precious metals analyst Suki Cooper told Kitco News.
Earlier in 2019, palladium had become the most valuable of the four major precious metals, with an acute shortage driving prices to a new record. According to Bloomberg, the metal is a key component in pollution-control devices for cars and trucks, and the metal's price doubled in little more than a year, making it more expensive than gold. Then, earlier this week, palladium prices broke records once again; This Wednesday, March palladium futures jumped 8.1 percent on the day, trading at approximately $2,504 an ounce. The increase is influenced by the supply-demand outlook, which continued to boost prices to new highs. Spot prices hit record highs of $2,590 an ounce earlier in the session. "At the start of the year, we were looking for upside risk for the palladium market, but prices have rallied further than we thought they would. Given how tight the market is, it is likely that we are going to continue to see further upside risk," Standard Chartered precious metals analyst Suki Cooper told Kitco News.
