It’s interesting to look at the metals and how they performed during the same time periods. The five year charts give an interesting history – not so long that the economy’s inflation is a hindrance and not so short that you can’t “see the forest for the trees.”
First, the gold roller coaster ride has been mostly up with the high in December 2009 at $1214.80, but recent increases have it at $1155 not too far away from its high:
Of course, silver continues to be a popular, and some say undervalued, metal. Silver’s high at $20.79 was in early 2008, but its current consistent performance of over $18 continues an upward climb.
Now, for some real fun, let’s take a look at the PGMs (Platinum Group Metals).
First, let’s review platinum since some coins are made using platinum. Platinum enjoyed a high of over $2200 in early 2008, and recent performance has it over $1727. It looks to be steadily climbing the mountain in the chart.
What about palladium? It’s difficult to mine, is found with the other PGMs but is not found in large quantities. It, too, had a high at $579 in early 2008, but look at it today. Palladium closed at $546 not quite but almost back to its 5-year high.
Another PGM, rhodium, has an interesting five year history. Back in 2008, rhodium experienced a high of over $10000. Now, in 2010, the prices are approaching $2800.
Had you owned one commodity of each of the above metals in early January 2009, the past fifteen months would have been very, very good to your investments.
Starting at the top:
Gold increased 35.5% since January 2009.
Silver grew 66%.
Platinum added 85.9%.
Palladium – the winner – enjoyed a 200% increase (means it tripled in value).
Rhodium’s growth came in second place with an increase of 180.2%.
Gold, it seems, receives the majority of the attention – due to once having been the currency standard and is still indirectly considered as such – but these other metals quietly outperform their golden cousin.
Just an interesting and fun way to view the metals!