Back to Gold Trading FAQs

Which metal is known as poor man's gold?

Silver is commonly referred to as "poor man's gold" because it shares some of the characteristics that have historically made gold a popular precious metal, while typically trading at a lower price per ounce.

The term is informal and reflects silver's role as a more affordable precious metal for investors and traders seeking exposure to the precious metals market.

Property

Gold

Silver

Market availability

Traded 23 hours a day, 5 days a week

Traded 23 hours a day, 5 days a week

Trading instruments

Spot, CFD, futures, ETF

Spot, CFD, futures, ETF

Price drivers

Inflation, central-bank decisions, geopolitical events

Inflation, industrial demand, gold price movement

Safe-haven status

Primary safe-haven asset

Secondary safe-haven asset

Volatility

Moderate to high

High

Liquidity

Very high

High

Leverage available

Yes

Yes

Long and short trading

Yes

Yes

Overnight financing

Yes

Yes

Price denomination

USD

USD