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Gold and silver are no longer seen as boring safe havens or assets associated mainly with older investors seeking stability, said industry players.<\/p>\n
Part of the appeal lies in their low barrier to entry.<\/p>\n
Customers can buy paper gold or silver in real time, starting from as little as 0.01 ounce, with silver priced at around S$1 (US$0.79).<\/p>\n
First-time investor Lee Yong En said investing in precious metals is \u201ca lot more accessible\u201d.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old began late last year with S$100 in paper silver, before adding around S$1,000 more.<\/p>\n
Within a few months, she sold part of her holdings for more than double her initial purchase price.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was actually my first investment, because I’ve only started working maybe about six months ago,\u201d said the community engagement coordinator.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this is when I really started to look into investments. Before this, I hadn’t invested in any other equities.\u201d<\/p>\n
OCBC\u2019s head of group wealth management Tan Siew Lee said it is encouraging to see more young people taking the first step in their investment journeys, adding that precious metals will remain important as a source of diversification in portfolios.<\/p>\n
However, she warned that volatility can trigger sharp price swings.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoung investors may feel tempted to chase quick gains, but true investing is about building long-term wealth, not speculation,\u201d added Ms Tan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile precious metals can play a stabilising role in a portfolio, allocations should stay measured.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gold should sit alongside a well-balanced mix of investments, in line with one\u2019s risk tolerance and preferences, she noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose with little or no exposure may consider building positions gradually \u2013 taking advantage of dips and staying focused on their long-term goals rather than reacting to short-term market noise.\u201d
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