Is Platinum a Good Investment? We Investigate | Bleyer Bullion (2024)

There is no doubting that Platinum has been a disappointing investment in recent times but could that be about to change?

Platinum is currently trading around the £800 per ounce mark. That compares with a historic high of £1162 in July 2011 and a recent high of £918 in February 2021.

Outlook for Platinum Investment

Recently the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) published its Platinum Quarterly (for the fourth quarter of 2022) and revised its forecast for 2023.

After two years of Platinum surpluses there is forecast to be a deficit in 2023. There was a 776 koz surplus in 2022 and the World Platinum Investment Council are predicting a deficit of 556 koz in 2023.

So why the dramatic change?

Read 'Investing in Platinum, Options and Products'.

Rising Demand

There are a number of factors leading to a likely rise in demand for Platinum.

Global automotive demand for platinum is expected to increase by 10% in 2023 to 3.246 million ounces, according to the WPIC.

Demand for cars is on the increase. It’s not at pre-pandemic levels yet, but the effects of lockdowns in China, the war in Ukraine, chip shortages and cost-of-living concerns are starting to subside. Platinum is used by car makers in catalytic converters.

Platinum is becoming an increasingly important component in new cars, with the precious metal replacing the more expensive palladium in catalytic converters. The metal helps to neutralize harmful emissions in vehicles and so tighter emissions legislations and increased popularity of hybrid vehicles will put a squeeze on platinum demand.

Industrial demand is mainly coming from China, Japan and the glass industry. The WIPC are also expecting an increase in demand from China for Platinum Jewellery as lockdowns ease.

Is Platinum a Good Investment? We Investigate | Bleyer Bullion (1)

Platinum Investment Game-Changer?

The so-called “Hyrdrogen Economy” could be the game-changer that Platinum investors have been waiting for.

Edward Sterck from the WIPC commented: “While hydrogen-related demand for platinum is relatively small in 2022 and 2023, hydrogen-related demand for platinum isexpected to grow substantiallythrough the rest of the decade and beyond, reaching as much as 35% of total yearly platinum demand by 2040,”

Japan currently leads the way in developing Hydrogen as a long term replacement for fossil fuels.

  • Add to basket Quick View

    Available to pre-order£2,493.85 (VAT Exempt)

    FREE DELIVERY

  • Add to basket Quick View

    Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday Platinum Proof Noble Four Coin Set, 2016 (Pre-owned)

    In stock (1)£1,602.80 (Margin Scheme inc. VAT)

    FREE DELIVERY

  • Read more Quick View

    50g Platinum Valcambi Minted CombiBar

    Out of stock£1,336.71 (ex. VAT)

    FREE DELIVERY

  • Read more Quick View

    1/10oz Platinum UK Britannia Coin

    Out of stock£133.18 (VAT Exempt)

    FREE DELIVERY

Supply Issues?

There are potential supply issues to bear in mind when considering an investment in Platinum.

The refined mine supply of platinum dropped 18% in 2022, according to the WPIC, with South Africa and Russia having seen the biggest decreases.

According to UBS, South Africa typically accounts for more than 70% of the world’s platinum mining supply. The process, however, has been restricted by the country’s deepening power crisis. The WPIC reported a 24% decline in the country’s output in 2022. It anticipates continued volatility will leave the mining supply “largely unchanged” in 2023.

It was the combination of strikes and power cuts in South Africa in 2011 that led to a spike in the price of Platinum.

Russian supply dropped 10% in 2022, with war-induced geopolitical tensions preventing the transportation of platinum-containing products. The WPIC estimates that international transportation issues will persist this year and that overall platinum production in Russia will “decline slightly, but remain robust.”

Is Platinum a Good Investment? We Investigate | Bleyer Bullion (9)

Summary

There are three main factors that will influence the potential of Platinum as an investment. These are:

  • The use of catalytic converters in the automotive industry.
  • The “hydrogen economy”.
  • The economic situation in South Africa.

Platinum is rarer than gold. In 2008 it was more than double the price of gold. The historical average is 1.25 times and yet it’s currently half the price of gold.

As always, it’s important to do your research before investing so that you can make informed decisions about where to put your hard earned money!

Here to help

Bleyer offers expert consultancy and welcomes appointments with customers looking for a personal service either face to face, by phone or online. Give our expert team a call on 01769 618618 or email sales@bleyer.co.uk.

As well as selling coins and bars we are always happy to buy your precious metal bars and coins. We will offer the very best price we can.

Contact us

Tags:

BullionEconomyInvestmentInvestmentsPlatinum

Is Platinum a Good Investment? We Investigate | Bleyer Bullion (2024)

FAQs

Should I invest in platinum bullion? ›

Platinum is often considered a diversification option for investment portfolios, as it has a low correlation with other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds. Like other precious metals, platinum tends to hold its value over time so it has historically been used as an inflation hedge.

Is right now a good time to buy platinum? ›

The increasing scarcity of platinum and its rising demand in various industries should drive up its price. Platinum is currently considered to be historically undervalued by industry analysts, presenting potential opportunities for investors. Investors should remain vigilant and informed though.

Which is better investment, gold or platinum? ›

However, it's important to note that platinum's value can also be more volatile, experiencing significant fluctuations. Consequently, investing in platinum may be more suitable if you have a higher risk tolerance. If you are generally a risk-averse person, then gold is more stable.

Does platinum increase in value? ›

The price of platinum changes along with its supply and demand; during periods of sustained economic stability and growth, the price of platinum tends to be as much as twice the price of gold; whereas, during periods of economic uncertainty, the price of platinum tends to decrease because of reduced demand, falling ...

What is the future of platinum bullion? ›

The precious metal is forecast to be in a market deficit of 418,000 ounces in 2024—from prior expectations of 353,000 ounces—amid strained supply from the mining sector and declining recycling rates, according to a new report from the World Platinum Investment Council.

Is it wise to invest in platinum? ›

Coveted for its beauty and rarity, platinum continues to offer similar financial benefits to its more popular precious metals and remains a viable option for today's investors. Although a rare precious metal, platinum plays a pivotal role in multiple industries around the world.

Why don t people invest in platinum? ›

We don't offer platinum and palladium because they're not monetary metals, have not protected investors during recessions or stock market crashes, and because their uses are overwhelmingly industrial. Bottom line, platinum and palladium have never been viewed as money, and they're not money now.

What is the 5 year forecast for platinum? ›

As well as expecting consecutive deficits in 2023 and 2024, the WPIC forecasts that the platinum market will remain undersupplied throughout 2025 to 2028, with deficits averaging around 550koz per annum, or approximately 7% of demand.

Will platinum ever be worth more than gold? ›

Gold vs Platinum

Looking at the historical gold: platinum ratio, we can see that throughout history platinum has tended to be worth more than gold, but that this is not always the case. A savvy investor can use this ratio to find opportunities to profit from choosing to invest in one metal over another.

What is the best metal to invest in right now? ›

Gold. Gold is the most well-known and investable precious metal. It's unique for its durability (it doesn't corrode), shaping capability, and ability to conduct heat and electricity. While it has some industrial uses in dentistry and electronics, it's primarily used to make jewelry or as a form of currency.

Why buy platinum instead of gold? ›

Platinum is generally valued higher than gold. This is because platinum is rarer than gold, has a higher density and is purer. Platinum rings require more platinum than gold rings require gold, which can increase the overall cost.

What is the best way to invest in platinum? ›

To add platinum exposure to your portfolio, there are three main options:
  1. Buy physical platinum bullion from a trusted dealer like Bellevue Rare Coins.
  2. Invest in platinum ETFs like the ETFS Physical Platinum Shares (PPLT)
  3. Trading platinum futures on the futures market.

What are the disadvantages of platinum? ›

Platinum is a very dense metal which means it has excellent resistance to wearing away. A wedding ring made in Platinum could be worn for decades and barely lose any thickness at all. The downside of Platinum is that it tends to lose its high polish and sharp edges fairly quickly.

What will platinum be worth in 2030? ›

Long-Term Platinum Predictions 2026–2030

According to their predictions, its price could hit over $3,000 by 2030 (as for February 22, 2024). WalletInvestor also remains bullish on platinum's outlook based on increasing substitution for palladium and platinum pivotal role in green technologies.

Why are platinum prices falling? ›

Various factors affect it, the most significant being supply and demand dynamics. Other factors, such as economic conditions, geopolitical events, and changes in industrial and investment demand, can also impact the price of platinum. At the start of the new millennium, the precious metal's spot price was around $420.

Is it better to buy platinum coins or bars? ›

Typically weighing more than the 1 Troy ounce standard for platinum coins, these bars have a lower price per gram and carry lower manufacturing costs too. But again, private individuals face a limited range with poor availability, and costs remain very high compared to other investments.

Is it better to invest in silver or platinum? ›

Because of this, platinum tends to be worth a lot more per ounce than silver. So if you're on a budget, silver might be the better option for you. That being said, it's important to remember that both metals are in high demand right now, particularly in the tech and industrial sectors.

Why is platinum hard to sell? ›

Because platinum is more expensive and rare than gold, and even more so when it comes to silver. Many jewelry stores don't even carry pieces in platinum because of the cost. Most private jewelers do but not a whole lot of pieces.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6171

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.