“Pretty straightforward. Silver is an industry metal, gold is an investment metal. Because silver is used so much in industry, its price is moved based on the needs of industry. Gold is primarily an investment metal, so its price moves based on the needs of investors.

“This is why the two metals move somewhat independently of each other in the market. If you are considering the $2,000 from your 401K, you should definitely consider gold. There are 1/10 ounce gold coins available, so this would be fairly easy to come by.

“But many experts think silver is the better investment. One of the reasons is that it appears investment in silver is strongly picking up.
“The price of silver would rise if:

* Investment demand grows to the point of impacting industrial demand
* A financial crisis occurred where precious metals became the currency most sought after globally
* Industry demand grows
* Any mining company went out of business
* Any current mine dried up

The price of silver would drop if:
* Industry demand diminishes
* New mining companies appeared
* New mines were discovered

“Notice that investment silver demand can only impact the price of silver in one direction. There are four scenarios for our economy : deflation, mild inflation, big inflation, and hyperinflation. Gold and silver rise in every scenario.

“Industrial impacts could lower the price, and I think that is what has lowered the price from last year’s high of over $20. But it can only drop to a point because there are so MANY industries that use silver and new uses are invented every day. Mining companies don’t appear overnight, and new mines are extremely unlikely to be discovered. Especially since silver is not something you mine for. Silver is a byproduct of copper, iron, or some other mining.

“The real point is that yes, silver has been a little up and down over the last two years. But even at $20/ounce, silver looks to be a bargain in the near future. Today, it’s at around $16.70/ounce.