White money (Silver) and overlooked investment opportunities: Is it possible to achieve returns surpassing gold?

In recent times, the price of Silver has shown movements that can be considered as passing through significant events, leading the international investor community to pay more attention to this asset. The question that arises is: why should we focus solely on white money, and can it generate more investment returns than gold?

Why is white money interesting right now?

The asset called Silver is not new in human history. For over 4,000 years, this metal has been used as a medium of exchange and a store of value. From the era of Ramses to modern America, (Silver) has served as a globally accepted currency coin.

However, in the current era, what drives the price of Silver upward is not its role as a collector’s item but the demand from the technology industry, which is growing at the fastest rate.

Unique properties of silver that gold does not have

The difference between these metal assets is not a matter of noise. Instead, Silver has superior properties in terms of practical applications:

• Best electrical and thermal conductivity in the world: Silver leads as an (conductor), outperforming any other metal, making it an essential component in electronic devices, from smartphones to advanced circuits.

• Reflective efficiency: This property makes Silver a key element in modern solar cells, enhancing energy conversion efficiency.

• Antibacterial system: Its use in developing fabrics for patients, surgical tools, and advanced water filtration systems all rely on this property.

These are the reasons why Silver is regarded as the true gem of the digital age, for electric vehicle circuits, 5G infrastructure, smart systems, and more.

Demand versus available supply

A recent snapshot of the market from the World Silver Survey 2025 by The Silver Institute reveals a potentially shocking reality: the Silver market is facing a “Structural Deficit” (Structural Deficit).

Recent data shows that:

• Demand from the manufacturing sector hit a new record of 680.5 million ounces in 2024, accounting for about 59% of total demand, mainly driven by clean energy industries, electric vehicles, 5G electronics, and AI technology.

• Supply faces obstacles: Production, by-products from mining other metals such as (lead, zinc, copper), and insufficient inventories have caused Silver to be in deficit for four consecutive years.

It’s like a psychological game in the market: when scarcity meets strong demand, prices must adjust.

Gold/Silver Ratio: an indicator investors should know

The tool to measure whether Silver is cheap or expensive compared to gold is called the Gold/Silver Ratio (GSR), which tells us how many ounces of Silver are needed to buy 1 ounce of gold.

Historical trends of this ratio show:

• During the 2020 pandemic crisis, driven by fear, the GSR soared to 124:1 (Gold was expensive, Silver was cheap).

• In 2011, as confidence returned, the GSR shrank to 31:1 (Silver was valued higher).

• Currently, the GSR remains around 84:1, indicating that the market has not fully priced in Silver’s industrial potential.

General comparison between white money and gold

With higher volatility, investors with a higher risk appetite may see greater potential in Silver, both in bear and bull markets.

Pathways for Thai investors to invest in Silver

For those wanting to enter the Silver market, there are various methods, from traditional to modern approaches:

1. Physical Silver: Tangible investment

Holding Silver in bars or coins is the oldest method. Reputable dealers in Thailand such as Ausiris, MTS Gold, Bowins Silver, and SNP Gold have key points in major areas.

Advantages: Ownership of real assets, no counterparty risk
Disadvantages: Requires large capital, storage and insurance costs, low liquidity

2. Securities and Funds: Indirect approach

Funds like DAOL-SILVER offer indirect access to Silver through investments in global mining companies.

Advantages: High liquidity, no storage worries
Disadvantages: Company-specific risks, may not track Silver price 100%

3. Futures Contracts: For experienced investors

TFEX Silver Online Futures are suitable for those familiar with derivatives markets.

Advantages: Low capital requirement relative to contract size, profit in both directions
Disadvantages: Very high risk, requires deep market knowledge

4. CFD (Contract for Difference): A modern option

Trading Silver CFD (XAGUSD) has gained popularity due to its flexibility and easy access.

Advantages:

• Low initial investment (with leverage)
• Profit in rising and falling markets
• No storage, no hidden costs
• High liquidity, tradable 24/5

Disadvantages: Risks from leverage, need to choose a trustworthy broker

For Thai investors, platforms like Mitrade offer an affordable option: no commission, low spreads, and an initial deposit of $50 free demo money $50,000 and bonuses for new clients $100 .

Limitations and risks to consider

No matter how attractive Silver is, there are downsides that should not be overlooked:

• High volatility: Prices can fluctuate significantly in a short time, which is beneficial if prices rise but dangerous if they fall.

• Sensitivity to economic cycles: During economic downturns, industrial demand drops, impacting Silver prices more than gold.

• No interest income: Returns are solely from price differences (Capital Gain).

• Storage challenges: Physical holdings entail higher costs and risks.

Conclusion: Silver is an investment for the future

Silver is no longer just a “cheap metal,” but has become an essential asset for future technology. With inflexible supply, growing demand from modern industries, and historically undervalued prices compared to gold, Silver offers significant opportunities.

Regardless of the investment method chosen, the most important thing is to understand what you are investing in and how well you can handle risks. Careful study and planning are key to the success of your Silver investment.