|

Four key differences between Gold and Silver – Morgan Stanley

To varying degrees, both Gold and Silver may provide a hedge in a potential economic or market downturn, as well as during sustained periods of rising inflation. Here are four factors to consider when deciding to invest in Gold or Silver, according to economists at Morgan Stanley.

Silver may be more tied to the global economy

“Half of all Silver is used in heavy industry and high technology, according to the World Silver Survey. As a result, Silver is more sensitive to economic changes than Gold, which has limited uses beyond jewelry and investment purposes. When economies take off, demand tends to grow for Silver.”

Silver is more volatile than Gold

“The volatility in Silver prices can be two to three times greater than that of gold on a given day. While traders may benefit, such volatility can be challenging when managing portfolio risk.”

Gold has been a more powerful diversifier than Silver

“Silver can be considered a good portfolio diversifier with moderately weak positive correlation to stocks, bonds and commodities. However, Gold is considered a more powerful diversifier. It has been consistently uncorrelated to stocks and has had very low correlations with other major asset classes.  Unlike Silver, Gold is less affected by economic declines because its industrial uses are fairly limited.”

Silver is currently cheaper than Gold

“Per ounce, Silver tends to be cheaper than Gold, making it more accessible to small retail investors who wish to own the precious metals as physical assets.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.