Is Silver the New Gold?

Could Silver be the new Gold? Some are starting to believe that it actually could be. Traditionally, silver has been used predominantly in industrial applications such as the production of decorative items, photography, jewelry and silverware. It is estimated that these uses alone account for 95% of the amount of silver produced annually. This means that current demands for silver by these industries is more than is available today (above ground).

Combine with this the recent rush by investors to buy silver. With the turmoil in the stock market, many are turning to gold and silver coins, bullion and paper. They feel their investments are more secure with metals than the continuous free fall of stocks listed on the exchanges. There has been such a rush that many coin dealers find themselves sold out and creating waiting list to service customer requests.

We can’t leave out the health care industry either. With today’s concerns about the spread of disease and sometimes deadly infections like MRSA, silver is being used more in the production of products used by hospitals and health care facilities. Silver added as component has proven its ability to prevent the spread of bacteria and is used in wound care products and products used to combat the spread of disease and secondary infections. Also, a team of researchers in Zurich have discovered a process by which silver particles can be released to kill bacteria in direct proportion to the amount present. This could significantly increase the demand for silver in the years to come. Current products with silver protection include binders, books, dry erase markers and highlighters.

With all of the increased demand for silver today and anticipated for tomorrow, silver could very well become the “new gold.”