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Investing in precious metals has increasingly popular as concerns about inflation and global uncertainties persist. As a result, we saw the gold price above $2,700 an ounce by 2024, while silver has attracted investors looking for stability i growth potential.
Many people also turn to Precious Metals Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), such as gold and silver IRAs, to secure these retirement benefits. But while both silver and Golden Wrath they have their merits, choosing between them is not always easy. So we asked financial professionals for their perspectives on what might be the best option in 2025. Here’s what they want you to know.
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Gold IRA vs Silver IRA: Which Will Be Better in 2025?
Gold and Silver IRA they are structurally similar, but may perform differently in various market conditions, experts say.
“Gold tends to be a reliable store of value, while silver tends to be a growth asset,” says Brett Elliott, chief marketing officer at the American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX). Experts expect both to increase in value in the coming years.
Alex Ebkarian, COO and co-founder of precious metals dealer Allegiance Gold, encourages diversifying a precious metals portfolio with both to avoid concentration risk.
Why a gold IRA may be a better investment in 2025
“Beyond inflation protection, gold shows a low correlation with stocks and bonds, reducing portfolio volatility,” explains Kevin Shahnazari, founder and CEO of FinlyWealth. This makes gold IRAs a good choice for protecting retirement savings during market uncertainty.
Hold gold for the long term offers unique protection against financial risks. Elliott notes that this precious metal is an excellent diversifier.
“[Its value often] it goes up during recessions rather than stocks, which usually go down,” he says.
According to Ebkarian, the outlook for gold looked solid.
“We can expect gold to exceed $3,000 by 2025,” he says, pointing to Goldman Sachs’ reaffirmed forecast. With historical annual growth of approximately 10% over the past 20 years, gold’s upward trajectory could make it attractive for retirement portfolios this year.
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Why a silver IRA may be a better investment in 2025
FinlyWealth’s Shahnazari notes that silver’s dual role in investment and manufacturing, particularly in electric vehicles and solar panels, creates strong growth potential. “[Its] lower price too [makes it easier] to accumulate more ounces [in your IRA and magnify] potential returns,” he says.
Adding to Shahnazari’s ideas, Ebkarian emphasizes how silver often outperforms gold during periods of economic expansion because of its industrial applications in technology and renewable energy.
“During recoveries, silver can see big gains,” he notes.
Also, the timing of the silver IRA investment looks favorable based on historical indicators.
“The current gold-silver ratio suggests that silver is undervalued [and] more attractive from an overall cost perspective,” says Ebkarian. A ratio above 80 has historically indicated that silver is poised for a price increase.
Factors to consider before investing in any precious metals IRA
Before investing in any type of precious metals IRA, consider these factors that can affect your success:
- Choose your supplier carefully: “Not all IRA providers are the same,” says Elliott. A reputable dealer will charge 5% to 15% above the spot price and will detail all fees. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics or dealers who charge excessive premiums.
- Consider your situation: Shahnazari weighs five factors with clients: age, mix of existing portfolios, risk comfort, investment timeline and economic outlook. These help determine which metal best suits your needs. For example, if you are comfortable with more market volatility, you may prefer the growth potential of silver. But if you are looking for long-term wealth preservationgold might be the best choice.
- Know your storage options: specialized storage facilities are required for IRA precious metals. Compare storage fees and security measures between different repositories.
- Plan your exit strategy: Consider how and when you will sell your precious metals. Different forms (eg coins and bars) offer different levels of liquidity and may carry different premiums.
- Understand the tax implications: Consult a tax professional about how precious metal IRAs affect your tax situation. The rules on inheritances and distributions may vary.
The bottom line
Gold and silver IRAs present solid opportunities in 2025, with both metals trading below their inflation-adjusted all-time highs. Shahnazari suggests this could indicate a potential upside for investors who act early. But Elliott reminds us that time shouldn’t be the only consideration.
Before opening a precious metals IRA, share your retirement goals and risk tolerance with a trusted financial advisor. They can help you decide whether to transfer part of your retirement account to gold, silver, or a combination of the two. Finally, choose reputable gold and silver IRA companies with transparent pricing and clear explanations of fees and storage requirements.