Buying gold, silver, platinum or other precious metals is sometimes promoted as a way to hedge the risks of more traditional investments. However, the prices of these metals can be extremely unpredictable and volatile. Silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs) closely monitor the price of silver and are generally more liquid than the precious metal itself. Like other precious metals, silver tends to be the favorite of investors seeking a hedge against inflation or a safe haven in times of market turmoil.
In 2001, Vanguard withdrew global gold from what was then its Vanguard Gold and Precious Metals Fund.
