Have questions about investing and finance through precious metals?  Palladium is a member of the platinum family, and as of early January, it is priced at $653.55 an ounce, which is less than platinum’s price of $1,426.30 PTO.  Why is the precious metal gaining?  While there is good news coming out of the United States, and some positive news from production-supply, the fact of the matter is that political tensions are giving precious metals a price hike.

The U.S. is exchanging angry words with Iran, and in response to sanctions, Iran is now closing some of its oil locations.  Oil prices have increased, and along with them, precious metal prices.  Palladium is particularly popular among industrial investors, though it is somewhat new as an investment metal (which means it usually moves with the market).  It is mainly used in the automotive industry in the production of catalytic converters.

However, all precious metals are increasing in price and value because of financial insecurities among paper currency.  We’re not just discussing the financial woes of the U.S. but also the trouble in countries like India, and entire continents like Europe.  In fact, the more countries seem to fall into recession, the greater demand there is for gold, silver and palladium.  Along with greater demand usually comes higher prices.  And sometimes higher prices actually bring the increase of the American dollar, which is what we see happening now.

What about you?  What are your investing plans?  Palladium is not as huge an investment as gold or platinum, but it is still far more expensive than silver.  Nevertheless, investors are turning to all forms of precious metals, because of their commodity status.  In fact, collectors are advised to put at least 10% of all assets into precious metals, and to alternate between gold, silver and platinum.  Platinum family metals are actually quite lustrous in appearance and make for excellent coins.

If you are ready to start investing for profit and as a hedge against economic downturn then talk to a coin dealer.  He or she may be able to help you find a deal on a coin or bar.  You can also find a coin dealer website and look around at the available selection.  The year 2012 is going to be a year of testing for many countries, so don’t forget to plan for the worst case scenario and buy a little more of every metal!