Investing in precious metals is a timeless pursuit for those seeking security and wealth preservation.

For centuries, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium have been considered the bedrock of monetary systems and a symbol of status and wealth.

As markets shift and economies fluctuate, investors also frequently turn to precious metals to anchor their portfolios and protect their assets. Today, with economic pressure rising, precious metals investing has once again become top-of-mind for many traders.

Yet what does a total beginner need to know before investing in precious metals?

To help you learn the basics, we’ve created this short, yet detailed, precious metals investing guide that lays out the strategies that are most relevant for new traders.

 

What Are Precious Metals?

Precious metals are rare and valuable metals often used for investment, jewelry, and industrial purposes. The most commonly recognized precious metals are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are prized for their luster, malleability, and resistance to corrosion.

Gold is the most well-known and widely used precious metal, often used as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. Silver is also a popular precious metal, used for investment and in the manufacturing of jewelry, silverware, and electronic components. Platinum and palladium are used in the automotive industry for catalytic converters, as well as in the jewelry and investment markets.

Precious metals are often seen as a safe haven for investors during times of economic uncertainty, as they tend to hold their value even when other asset classes such as stocks or bonds may be experiencing volatility.

 

What Are the Different Types of Metals Available for Trading?

The most commonly traded precious metals are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are valued for their rarity, beauty, and industrial uses. They are traded globally on commodities exchanges, and their prices can be influenced by economic, political, and supply and demand factors.

 

How Can Investors Determine the Best Entry and Exit Points for Metals Trades?

Investors can use technical analysis and fundamental analysis to determine the best entry and exit points for metals trades. Technical analysis involves studying price trends and patterns, while fundamental analysis involves evaluating supply and demand factors, economic indicators, and geopolitical events that could affect metal prices.

It’s also important for investors to consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon when determining entry and exit points.

 

What Are Some Common Trading Strategies Used in Metals Trading?

Some of the most common strategies include buying or selling based on the direction of the price trend; buying or selling when prices deviate from their long-term average or buying or selling when prices break through key levels of support or resistance.

Traders may also engage in scalping (making small, quick trades to capture small price movements) or swing trading, holding positions for several days to several weeks to capture price swings. Traders may also choose to hold positions for several months or longer to capture long-term price trends or use options contracts to hedge against price fluctuations or speculate on price movements.

Traders may use one or a combination of these strategies depending on their investment goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.

 

How Can Technical Analysis Be Used to Identify Metals Trading Opportunities?

Technical analysis can be used to identify metals trading opportunities by analyzing price trends, patterns, and indicators. Traders may use charting tools to identify key levels of support and resistance, as well as moving averages and momentum indicators to determine potential entry and exit points. Technical analysis can also be used to help manage risk and determine stop-loss levels.

 

What Are Some of the Risks Involved When Investing in Precious Metals?

Like any investment, metals trading involves risks. Some of the most pertinent risks involved in metals trading include price volatility, economic and geopolitical risks, liquidity risks, and counterparty risks.

The price of metals is affected by a variety of factors, such as changes in global economic conditions, political events, and supply and demand imbalances.

Additionally, there is a risk of fraud or default by a counterparty, which could result in significant financial losses.

Other risks include overpaying, overexposure to metals in your portfolio of quality issues when buying physical metals.

 

How Can Investors Choose the Best Metals Trading Platform?

To choose the best metals trading platform, investors should consider factors such as fees, security, user experience, trading tools, customer support, and the range of metals offered.

It’s also important to consider the reputation and regulatory compliance of the platform. Investors should do their research and compare several platforms before choosing one that meets their needs and investment goals.

 

What Are Some Common Mistakes That Beginners Make When Trading Metals?

Some common mistakes that beginners make when trading metals include overtrading, failing to manage risk, not doing proper research, letting emotions drive trading decisions, and not having a clear investment strategy.

Beginner traders may also fall victim to scams or fraud in the metals market. It’s important for beginner traders to educate themselves on the basics of trading, develop a clear investment plan, and practice responsible risk management to avoid these common pitfalls.

 

How Can Metals Trading Be Used in Conjunction with Other Investment Strategies?

Metals trading can be used in conjunction with other investment strategies to diversify a portfolio and manage risk. For example, investors may use metals trading to hedge against inflation, market volatility, or currency fluctuations.

Metals can also be used as a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty or as a store of value. Additionally, metals trading can be used alongside other investment strategies such as stocks, bonds, or real estate to balance risk and returns and achieve a well-diversified portfolio.

 

How Can Investors Stay Up-To-Date on Metals Market Trends and News?

Investors can stay up-to-date on metals market trends and news by following financial news sources, subscribing to industry newsletters, joining metals trading forums or social media groups, and using online resources provided by metals trading platforms or exchanges.

One of the best ways to stay informed is by signing up for R.J. O’Brien’s Market Insights, the industry’s most comprehensive round-up of up-to-date news and evolving trends.

 

What Resources Are Available for Beginners?

Resources available for beginners who want to learn more about metals trading strategies for beginners include books, online courses, webinars, trading simulators, and educational resources provided by metals trading platforms or exchanges.

Additionally, beginner traders may benefit from seeking the guidance of a financial advisor or mentor who can provide personalized advice and support as they navigate the complexities of the metals market and learn the essentials of metals trading for beginners.

R.J. O’Brien has been helping traders for decades and has extensive resources available to metals traders – which we urge you to check out. By doing your due diligence, you can put yourself in the best possible position for success.

 

How can R.J. O’Brien Help Investing in Precious Metals? 

Whether you’re investing in gold and silver or you’re looking for something more exotic in the precious metals market, we have you covered.

R.J. O’Brien can accommodate all of your metals futures and options trading needs via The CME Group (Copper, Gold, Palladium, Platinum, Silver) and The London Metal Exchange (Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Tin, Zinc).

By giving traders access to the metals they wish to trade, an industry leading trading platform and some of the most talented advisors in the business, R.J. O’Brien can help even the most inexperienced beginner achieve success in the world of precious metals investing. Contact us today for more information!