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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Stockhouse Movers & Shakers: Sprott sees silver at US$50 in 2011

Stockhouse Movers & Shakers: Sprott sees silver at US$50 in 2011

Monday, October 25, 2010

SILVER BULLION

Throughout history, silver bullion has served mankind as a primary monetary metal. It is durable, divisible, convenient, has utility value, and cannot be created by fiat.

However, unlike its fellow monetary metal—gold—silver is most commonly used today as an industrial commodity. Industrial demand for silver has grown consistently for the past three decades because of silver's many unique properties, including its strength, malleability, and ductility...its unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity...its sensitivity to and high reflectance of light...and its ability to endure extreme temperature ranges.

In addition to its industrial uses and qualities, silver is also used in numerous health care products because of the unique antibacterial characteristics that it possesses. The "Silver Bullet" is used by hospitals to prevent bacterial infections in burn victims. Wound dressings and other wound care products incorporate a layer of fabric containing silver for prevention of secondary infections. In a world that is showing increasing concern about the spreading of disease and potential pandemics, silver is increasingly being tapped for its microbicidal qualities.

Silver bullion

It is estimated that more than 95% of all the silver ever mined throughout history has already been consumed by industrial use. That silver is gone forever, unrecoverable at any price. In 1900, there were approximately 12 billion ounces of silver in the world. Today, that figure has fallen to about 300 million ounces of above-ground, refined silver. This means that at current prices, it would only take about four billion dollars to purchase all of the above-ground silver in the world today.

Anyone who follows world headlines is certainly aware of increasing and ever-present geopolitical instability. This, combined with the evolving macroeconomic landscape, can be viewed as bullish catalysts for the silver market. Silver's historic role as a store of value and investment, and its increasing demand in an environment where growing industrial use exceeds available new supplies, further suggest a bullish trend for this versatile metal.

Some of the world's leading financial analysts believe that silver is one of the world's most important commodities, with unparalleled investment opportunity for the future. Silver's unique properties, which make it ideal and essential for global industry, create a situation where there is simply no substitute. In addition, silver prices at times have been extremely volatile, making silver an attractive investment and trading vehicle.

1,000 and 100 ounce silver bullion bars

Pure .999 fine silver bullion is available from Monex in two convenient forms:

The 1,000 ounce silver bullion bar is the standard industry unit and traditionally used for trading and storage, but can also be taken for personal delivery. Each bar is hallmarked to certify weight and purity. Actual weight can vary up to 10% in either direction. On personal deliveries, prices will be adjusted to actual weight.

Also available from Monex is the 100 ounce silver bar, which is available for personal delivery only. The smaller and lighter 100 ounce bar enables investors to more conveniently store and transport their silver. Numerous brands of .999 fine silver have been produced over the years, including bars from the Royal Canadian Mint, Johnson-Matthey and Engelhard. 100 ounce silver bars are produced either by an extrusion process, machine fabrication or by a free pour method. All types are guaranteed to weigh 100 troy ounces. Unlike the larger 1,000 ounce bars, smaller 100 ounce silver bars are preferred for stacking and storage in a safety deposit box or a home safe.

Silver bullion bars

Experienced investors know that if they call the market correctly, the results of their investments can be amplified greatly by using investment leverage. With this in mind, silver bullion's investment potential may be enhanced by utilizing the Monex ATLAS account where investors can finance their silver bullion investment and control up to five times the silver as in an all-cash purchase.

There may never be a better time to buy silver bullion than right now. World demand for silver—for industrial, medical and investment uses—now exceeds annual silver production, and has every year since 1990. Above ground stockpiles are low and are reported to be shrinking rapidly. For these reasons, many feel silver bullion represents an outstanding investment opportunity.

Silver - Silver Bullion Bars - Buy Silver Bars - Buying Silver Bars

Silver - Silver Bullion Bars - Buy Silver Bars - Buying Silver Bars