Best ETFs for precious metal exposure

Article Excerpt

In 2011, gold shot up to a high of $1,950 U.S. an ounce, and silver reached a peak of $48.48. Gold prices then fell steadily, dropping to $1,050 in December 2015 for the first time since early 2010. That month, silver also declined to a five-year low of $13.65 an ounce. Each metal has since moved up to today’s price of $1,358 for gold and $20.39 for silver. That reflects higher commodity prices. It also reflects the belief that slow global economic growth will keep interest rates low. That raises the prospect of higher inflation. Political uncertainty in Europe, the U.K. and the U.S. also raises gold’s appeal for investors. However, growth-promoting policies, which gained a following in the 2014 U.S. mid-term elections, may continue no matter who wins this year’s presidential race. This could stimulate the U.S. economy enough to eventually push interest rates higher. If that happens, gold and silver would likely drop. Still, if you want to…