Investing in Silver? Buy Cutlery Before the ETF (SLV)

Let’s dispense with the fundamental analysis, shall we? Silver (and gold) is nothing special. It was down in the dumps for decades and nobody cared; now, it’s a must have, just like Beanie Babies. The fact is that people are simply attracted to the price action as it lurches up, but of course, they feel compelled to provide a rational, fundamental explanation for their purchase. Well, the only sound reason to buy was when it was cheap, so let’s not fool ourselves.

The silver ETF (SLV) is one way to go, but don’t forget the transaction costs and continuing management fees while silver returns nothing. Those who find themselves with a sudden obsession for the shiny stuff might be better off to hunt down some cutlery at the local antique shops, preferably in the form of forks such as the Birk’s Saxon sterling silver one pictured here. I added six of them to my collection two weeks ago for no premium over the metal, conveniently engraved by the original owners with the initial “B