Gold vs Silver: Why Silver may finally end Gold’s supremacy! – Times of India

Silver has long been considered the more affordable alternative in the ever-changing world of precious metals. But the tide is changing now, and silver’s future value is expected to supersede that of gold, the expectation is being fueled by its increasing demand in different sectors – the technology and information-communication sector, the sustainability sector, and the greener energy sector. From being a conventional metal used in jewellery to becoming an essential part of modern technologies, silver has undergone a transformation that will make it higher than gold in the coming years.Let’s explore why silver will be more valuable than gold in the future.

The shift in perception: Silver as a metal of opportunity

Historically, gold has been viewed as the ultimate store of value, a hedge against inflation, and a symbol of wealth. On the other hand, silver was considered a more accessible and practical metal, often used for coins, jewellery, and industrial purposes. However, this perception is gradually changing. According to Chaitanya V Cotha, Executive Director of C. Krishniah Chetty Group, “Silver is no longer just a metal of affordability; it’s a metal of opportunity.” This shift in perspective can be attributed to the expanding role of silver in various industries, particularly in green technologies and electronics.
Silver’s essential role in solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and other sustainable technologies has given it newfound importance. As gold continues to be a luxury asset and a safe haven, silver’s industrial demand is increasing exponentially, positioning it as a critical metal in the future economy.

The growing demand for silver in green technologies

Demand of silver for its green technologies, especially in solar energy, is another reason behind the current high price of the metal. Silver is an essential element in the production of solar panels, where silver paste, that conducts electricity, is applied. Its surging demand is also attributed to one of the fastest-growing renewables: solar power. According to a report by the Silver Institute, around 10% of global silver demand in 2020 was attributed to the solar industry, and this demand is expected to rise in the coming years.

As the world shifts toward cleaner, renewable energy, silver’s role in solar technology is expected to increase. Solar panels require a significant amount of silver due to its superior conductivity, making it irreplaceable in the manufacturing process. The global push toward decarbonization and the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is likely to further accelerate silver’s demand in the energy sector.
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In addition to solar panels, silver is also crucial in the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Silver plays a vital role in EV batteries, especially in the production of electric contacts and connectors. The growing demand for EVs, driven by the transition to a sustainable future and the global shift toward electric mobility, is likely to boost the demand for silver in the automotive sector. The increasing adoption of EVs and hybrid vehicles will create a higher demand for silver components in batteries, chargers, and other critical electronic systems.
Moreover, silver’s role in energy-efficient technologies extends to its use in semiconductors and electronics. The metal’s excellent conductive properties make it an ideal choice for electronic components, including microchips and circuit boards, which are integral to the functioning of modern technology. As the world becomes more digitally connected and reliant on high-tech devices, silver’s demand in electronics is expected to continue rising.

Silver’s aesthetic appeal: Luxury beyond affordability

The industrial applications of silver are on the rise, but the affinity for silver in jewelry is timeless, and it remains a staple in the luxury market. Of course, compared to gold and platinum, silver jewellery has always been fairly cheap and accessible to a wider consumer base over the years. However, this is changing as consumer preference is shifting, and sustainability is increasingly touted as an element to look at. In the high-end jewelry segment, it seems to have caught onto silver as a status symbol.

“We see silver redefining luxury,” adds Cotha highlighting the evolving role of silver in the luxury sector. High-quality silver jewellery, often mixed with other metals like sterling silver or alloyed with copper, is being positioned as an eco-friendly and sustainable luxury option. With an increasing number of consumers seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional luxury items, silver is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Furthermore, silver’s relatively lower cost compared to gold and platinum makes it a more accessible choice for consumers looking to invest in high-end jewellery without the hefty price tag of gold. As more designers and brands embrace silver as a luxury material, its status in the global fashion industry will likely rise, further boosting its value.

Market reports and data: Silver’s strong performance

A report by DSP Mutual Fund indicates that silver has outperformed gold in terms of price growth over the past decade. While gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, silver has been showing stronger performance due to its industrial demand and diverse applications. According to the report, silver prices have surged by more than 50% over the past five years, compared to gold’s relatively modest growth of around 20%. This suggests that silver’s future potential for price appreciation is significant, especially as its demand in industrial and green sectors continues to rise.

The report further highlights that silver has historically shown a greater level of volatility than gold, making it an attractive option for investors looking for higher returns. As the global demand for silver increases, particularly in technology and green energy, this volatility is likely to diminish, and silver could see more consistent growth in the coming years.

Additionally, the Silver Institute’s 2020 World Silver Survey reported that silver’s industrial demand accounted for over 50% of its total demand, with applications in solar panels, electronics, and batteries continuing to grow. The report also noted that the supply of silver has been relatively constrained, with mining output falling short of meeting demand in recent years. This supply-demand imbalance could contribute to further price increases for silver in the future, as industries continue to compete for this precious metal.

Silver’s role in the global economic shift

As the global economy continues to shift toward sustainability, silver’s role as a key component in green technologies and renewable energy will become increasingly important. Governments worldwide are implementing policies to encourage the adoption of clean energy sources, such as solar power and electric vehicles. These initiatives, combined with rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products, will likely create a strong and sustained demand for silver.

Furthermore, silver is becoming an integral part of the circular economy, where the emphasis is on reusing and recycling materials. Silver’s recyclability makes it an attractive option for industries seeking sustainable solutions. Unlike gold, which is often hoarded and rarely recycled, silver is more frequently recycled due to its industrial applications. This characteristic could ensure a steady supply of silver in the future, further enhancing its value.
The shift toward a greener, more sustainable global economy positions silver as a metal that will be in high demand for years to come. As industries increasingly rely on silver for manufacturing electronic devices, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable products, the metal’s value is set to grow exponentially.

Robert Kiyosaki’s insight: Silver as the best investment

One of the most prominent voices advocating for silver as a valuable investment is Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the bestselling book Rich Dad Poor Dad. In a recent viral podcast, Kiyosaki explained that “the best investment in the world today is silver.” He went on to emphasise that silver is better than real estate, better than oil, and better than gas, citing the decreasing value of fiat currencies like the dollar and rupee. According to Kiyosaki, with the dollar and rupee losing their purchasing power, silver presents a unique opportunity for investors looking to protect and grow their wealth.

Kiyosaki’s endorsement of silver is grounded in the growing recognition of silver’s industrial value and its role in the broader economic shift toward sustainability. As global inflation concerns rise and traditional investments like real estate and oil face volatility, silver’s intrinsic value and essential role in modern technologies position it as a safer, more profitable investment. Kiyosaki’s argument further reinforces the idea that silver is not just a precious metal for the future but also a strategic investment for those looking to safeguard their financial future in an increasingly uncertain global economy.
While gold has long been seen as the ultimate store of wealth, silver is emerging as a key player in the future economy. Its growing demand in green technologies, including solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronics, is positioning it as a critical resource for the sustainable future. Additionally, silver’s aesthetic appeal in jewellery and its redefining status in the luxury market are further driving its value.

Industry insiders feel silver’s value will not only grow as a commodity but also become a key asset in the global transition to a greener, more sustainable world. As the industrial and technological demand for silver increases, combined with its attractiveness in the luxury market, silver is poised to outshine gold in the coming years. Whether as an investment, a material for luxury products, or a crucial component in renewable energy technologies, silver’s future is undoubtedly bright, and its value is set to rise beyond expectations.
With the market showing strong growth, backed by data and expert insights, silver is clearly on the path to becoming a more valuable asset than gold. Its critical role in the technological and sustainable sectors, along with its growing appeal as a luxury metal, ensures that silver will continue to gain prominence and recognition in the years ahead. Robert Kiyosaki’s prediction that silver is the best investment today further reinforces this notion, solidifying silver’s position as the precious metal of the future.