Two ETFs for precious-metal enthusiasts

Article Excerpt

In 2011, gold shot up to a high of $1,950 U.S. an ounce, and silver reached a peak of $48.58. Gold prices then fell steadily, dropping to $1,050 an ounce in December 2015 for the first time since early 2010. Silver also declined to a five-year low of $13.65 an ounce. Gold now trades at $1,226 and silver at $16.00. Those gains reflect higher commodity prices, generally, but also the belief that slow global growth will keep interest rates low and raise the possibility of high inflation. Political uncertainty around the globe adds to gold’s investment appeal. However, an improving U.S. economy and low unemployment prompted the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in June 2017 by 25 basis points, to 1.25%. That was the second increase this year. Further increases could hold back gold and silver prices. Still, if you want to hold precious metal stocks, these two ETFs invest in top-quality global miners. ISHARES S&P/TSX GLOBAL GOLD INDEX FUND $12.06 (Toronto symbol…