After a record-setting 2025, both gold and silver prices have hit new highs of over $5,100 and $100, respectively.
Gold, silver and other precious metals saw this growth in part due to geopolitical tension. Metals are also often considered a safe-haven asset, as they generally retain their value over time better than stocks or other investments.
While purchasing physical gold or silver is always an option, doing so can come with high fees and storage problems. CNBC Select covers why you may want to invest in gold or silver, three methods for investing in precious metals and which is right for you.
Is it better to invest in gold or silver?
There are a few things to consider when investing in gold vs. silver, from accessibility and volatility to the potential risks and rewards:
- Accessibility: Gold is a lot more expensive than silver, so it can have a higher barrier to entry. The spot price of gold (roughly $5,050) at the time of writing is over 4,600% higher than that of silver (roughly $106). Since silver's spot price is significantly lower, it's easier to find opportunities to invest without large upfront funds.
- Volatility: Historically, silver is considerably more volatile over time —over 10% more volatile compared to the price of gold over the past 60 years. While this isn't inherently negative, it makes it harder to estimate silver's value over shorter periods.
- Desired benefits: What's your goal for investing in metal? Are you looking for ways to help protect your current wealth, or are you hoping your investment will grow? Typically, gold holds its value better, but silver is more likely to offer growth opportunities.
If you're interested in investing in a precious metal, both are well-performing options right now. Though silver is less expensive to start investing in, gold is less likely to fluctuate, which could be a good option if you're closer to retirement.
3 ways to invest in precious metals
Investing in gold or silver doesn't always mean buying coins or other physical options. Here are three additional ways to invest:
Mutual funds and ETFs
Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer options for gold and silver (and both are liquid investment vehicles). E*TRADE charges no commission fees on all ETFs and over 4,400 mutual funds, helping you keep more of your money.
E*TRADE
Minimum deposit and balance
Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. No minimum to open an E*TRADE brokerage account; minimum $500 deposit to invest in robo-advisor platform Core Portfolios.
Fees
Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Zero commission fees for stock, ETF and options trades; zero transaction fees for over 4,400 mutual funds; robo-advisor Core Portfolios charges 0.30% annual advisory fee
Investment vehicles
Robo-advisor: E*TRADE Core Portfolios IRA: E*TRADE Traditional, Roth, Rollover, Beneficiary, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, IRA for Minors and E*TRADE Complete™ IRA Brokerage and trading: E*TRADE Trading Other: E*TRADE Coverdell ESA (Education Savings Account), Custodial Account for minors and small business retirement plans
Investment options
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, ETFs, options and futures
Educational resources
Educational library includes in-depth articles and videos for any type of investor; access to Morgan Stanley research and institutional-grade market insights following E*TRADE's acquisition.
Terms apply.
Pros
- No commission fees for stock, ETF and options trades
- No transaction fees for over 4,400 mutual funds
- Core Portfolios offers automated investing with a choice of standard, socially responsible (ESG), smart beta and tax-sensitive portfolio strategies
- Tax-loss harvesting available through Core Portfolios at no additional cost
- Backed by Morgan Stanley’s institutional research and wealth management resources
- E*TRADE Coverdell ESA helps you save for college early on
- Active traders receive volume discounts on options
- Free analyst research and investing tools
- Strong mobile platform with Power E*TRADE for advanced trading
Cons
- Core Portfolios requires $500 minimum to enroll and charges 0.30% annual advisory fee
- No access to certified financial planners through Core Portfolios
- No forex trading
- Website can be cumbersome to navigate
Stocks of mining companies
You can also directly invest in the public companies that mine these resources; mining company performance is often closely tied to the performance of the metals they mine. If you're interested in S&P 500 mining stocks, Charles Schwab lets users purchase fractional shares starting at $5, meaning you can get a piece of a more expensive stock without having to buy a whole share.
Charles Schwab
Minimum deposit and balance
Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. No account minimum for active investing through Schwab One® Brokerage Account. Automated investing through Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® requires a $5,000 minimum deposit
Fees
Fees may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. Schwab One® Brokerage Account has no account fees, $0 commission fees for stock and ETF trades, $0 transaction fees for over 4,000 mutual funds and a $0.65 fee per options contract
Bonus
None
Investment vehicles
Robo-advisor: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium™ IRA: Charles Schwab Traditional, Roth, Rollover, Inherited and Custodial IRAs; plus, a Personal Choice Retirement Account® (PCRA) Brokerage and trading: Schwab One® Brokerage Account, Brokerage Account + Specialized Platforms and Support for Trading, Schwab Global Account™, Schwab Organization Account and Schwab Trading Powered by Ameritrade™
Investment options
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs and ETFs
Educational resources
Extensive retirement planning tools
Terms apply.
Pros
- $0 minimum deposit for active investing
- No commission fees for stock and ETF trades and no transaction fees for over 4,000 mutual funds
- Offers extensive retirement planning tools
- Users can get on-demand advice from a professional advisor/Schwab expert
- Robo-advisor Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® available as a no-fee automated service option (with Premium version available for a fee)
- Award-winning thinkorswim® trading platforms and all their cutting-edge tools are now available at Schwab.
- 24/7 customer support access by phone or chat
- Charles Schwab offers over 300 brick-and-mortar branches across the U.S. for in-person support
Cons
- Specific transactions may require commission fee
- Robo-advisor Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium charges a one-time planning fee of $300, then a $30 per month advisory fee. For that price, you get unlimited 1:1 guidance from a CFP, interactive planning tools, plus a personalized roadmap for reaching your goals
Precious metal IRA
If you're considering investments geared toward retirement, there are types of accounts that let you hold precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium) while receiving the same tax benefits as a traditional IRA. For example, Gold IRA company American Hartford Gold offers some of the lowest fees available, with no liquidation or buyback charges. Investors with accounts valued at $100,000 or less pay only $75 in management fees per year.
American Hartford Gold
Initial Purchase Requirements
Minimum purchase requirement of $10,000
Account Minimums
Minimum account balance of $10,000
Fees
Annual IRA fee of $75 for accounts valued at $100,000 or less, $125 for accounts valued at $100,001 or more
Storage fee varies with the depository but typically is a flat $100 annual storage fee in most cases
Terms apply.
Pros
- A+ Better Business Bureau and AAA Business Consumer Alliance rating
- Orders are shipped free of charge
- Offers a free Gold & Silver Information Guide
- No initial fee for account setup
Cons
- Lack of educational resources on their site
- The website feels slightly dated and straightforward
While you can also invest in gold futures or options, both typically involve using leverage, which is substantially riskier. If you'd prefer to have your gold on hand, you can still purchase physical gold products, even from some wholesale stores like Costco.
Pros and cons of investing in gold and silver
Like any investment, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of investing in gold or silver, but also your specific needs at the moment.
- Inflation hedge: Historically, gold holds its value well compared to other currencies, which lose value through inflation.
- Portfolio diversity: Precious metals often perform very differently from more traditional stocks or bonds, which can help you spread out your risk.
- Performs well during geopolitical unrest: People tend to turn to metals during more tumultuous times, as gold is seen more as a neutral investment.
- Storage and management fees: Physical gold often comes with fees for storing it, and many gold investments charge management fees.
- Physical metal doesn't generate income: Since physical metals don't pay a dividend or any type of interest, profit is tied solely to the price.
- Opportunity cost: Historically, the S&P 500 has outperformed precious metals; plus, metals are unable to benefit from compounding interest.
FAQs
Will silver reach $100 an ounce?
Yes, silver reached over $100 an ounce for the first time on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. As of Tuesday, Jan. 27, the spot price of silver is still well above $100.
What is the best metal to invest in right now?
The best metal to invest in depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Generally, gold is considered one of the most reliable precious metals to invest in, given its long track record of maintaining value over time (especially during periods of market uncertainty). Plus, gold prices are currently at a record high as of Jan. 27, 2026.
Is gold or silver better for retirement?
Gold is generally considered a better investment for retirement. Gold is less likely to fluctuate in value over time compared to silver's history of volatility.
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