Platinum and Palladium

[shinnosuke]

These two metals have been way below for gold for a while, but now platinum is trying to overtake the palladium price.

Are we assembling so many electric cars now that there are significantly fewer catalytic converters (which use palladium) being made?

[Lemon Thrower]

Years ago, catalytic converters were made with platinum because it was more efficient chemically. At the time, plat was more expensive than gold, but only slightly.

As demand for platinum increased, manufacturers switched to palladium because it was maybe a quarter of the cost. Over time, palladium became more expensive than platinum.

Not sure what is going on now. Demand for all durable goods is slowing. I also think demand for electric cars has peaked - everybody who wants one has one already. Hertz lost their shirt on EVs and can't give them away. People are broke and can't afford a new car unless they can finance it.

[pmbug]

From a month ago:

https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2024 ... metals-are

[shinnosuke]

Thanks, guys. I think my new purchases will remain centered on Ag. I don’t want the hassle of trying to buy beans and rice with a white metal that is not silver.

[68Camaro]

Thanks, guys. I think my new purchases will remain centered on Ag. I don’t want the hassle of trying to buy beans and rice with a white metal that is not silver.

No argument there. I have small amounts of both major PGMs that I intend to keep, and I don't plan on adding to either unless prices drop to stupid levels (which I don't see happening). Even when big price drops have happened in the past there has been very little metal available to buy.

I fully agree that once your basic self reliance needs are met, your focus should be silver then gold.