The Aberdeen Standard Platinum Shares ETF (NYSEArca: PPLT) may not be getting the attention its gold counterparts are this year, but some data points indicate the gold rival is offering value and potential upside.
PPLT seeks to reflect the performance of the price of physical platinum, less the expenses of the Trust’s operations, and is designed for investors who want a cost-effective and convenient way to invest in platinum with minimal credit risk.
“Production price of platinum is approximately $1,100 per ounce which is significantly higher than the current market price. Due to a near halt in the economy including automotive manufacturers which use 40% of the platinum supply for catalytic converters,” according to Monumental Property Group.
PPLT Power
Platinum is viewed as more cyclical than gold and its industrial demand components has been a disadvantage this year due to the onset of the coronavirus. The benefit is it’s opening the door to a value play.
Earlier this year, platinum prices jumped on supply-side concerns after Amplats, the world’s top platinum producer, cut output projections to between 3.3 and 3.8 million ounces of platinum group metals, or 900,000 short of its previous guidance of between 4.2 and 4.7 million ounces, Mining.com reports.
“Platinum is a great way to bet on the car industry rebound without having any auto company-specific default risk. In 2008 the price of platinum crashed with the banking crises and then soared the following year to over $1,600 an ounce. We foresee a similar set of circumstances during the present crisis,” said Ike Roberts of Monumental Property.
Platinum is primarily used in catalytic converters in diesel-powered automobiles, but environmental concerns previously tamped down demand for the precious metal. As such, the price of platinum has fallen over the years amid weaker demand and excess supply, whereas gold and silver have found safe-haven support on an increasingly dovish Federal Reserve monetary policy outlook and palladium benefited from cars that run on gasoline.
On the demand side, platinum will continue to enjoy robust industrial demand. Additionally, platinum jewelry is starting to enjoy a jump in demand as well, especially among the Millennial generation—younger generations in traditional gold-centric economies like India saw 2017 platinum jewelry sales jump 25%, according to Platinum Guild International.
With respect to the other precious metals, platinum presents a value proposition for seasoned investors and beginning investors looking to shore up their portfolios with commodities.
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The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.
