Although platinum is less well known as an investment target than gold or silver, it is actually a unique precious metal that combines three characteristics: scarcity, industrial demand, and attractive price fluctuations. Approximately 80% of the world's supply is concentrated in South Africa and Russia, and geopolitical risks and supply restrictions have a significant impact on the price.

Here we will explain the appeal of platinum investment, provide some examples using calculators, and answer some frequently asked questions.

1. What is the appeal of investing in platinum?

• Rarity: Its abundance in the Earth's crust is about 1/30 of that of gold.

• Industrial demand: Essential for autocatalysts, fuel cells and hydrogen energy technologies.

• Undervalued price: Historically, it has traded at a higher price than gold, but in recent years it has often fluctuated at about half the price of gold.

• Investment potential: By investing when prices are low, it is easy to aim for long-term returns.

2. Platinum purity and typical types

• .9995 Purity (Investment Standard)
  American Platinum Eagle, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, Australian Platinum Koala, etc.

• Platinum for jewelry (Pt900, Pt950)
  It is often used for rings and accessories, but bullion coins are more liquid as an investment.

3. Examples using computers

• Example 1: 1 oz platinum coin spot price $1,000, exchange rate 150 yen/USD → ¥150,000.

• Example 2: 10 oz bar
  $1,000 × 10 = $10,000 → ¥1,500,000.

• Example 3: 50 grams of jewelry (Pt950)
  Considering 95% purity → Actual weight is 47.5g ≈ 1.53oz.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is platinum cheaper than gold?
A: It is strongly influenced by supply constraints and industrial demand, and is easily affected by economic conditions.

Q: Which is better as an investment, gold or silver?
A: Gold offers stability, while platinum offers growth potential and undervaluation. A combination of both is ideal.

Q: Does platinum hedge against inflation?
A: It has a certain hedging effect, but it is not as stable as gold when industrial demand weakens.

Q: Which platinum product should I buy?
A: Government-issued coins (Platinum Eagle, Maple) that are globally recognized are best.

5. Advice for investors

• Because the market size is smaller than that of gold and silver, price fluctuations are large → This is both an opportunity and a risk.

• When holding for the long term, the key to success is to "prepare when prices are low."

• As the energy transition (hydrogen economy) progresses, demand is expected to increase.

• It is effective to incorporate it as part of your portfolio as part of diversified investments.