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August 13, 2024
In conversations about gold and silver, the term "ounce" is frequently used. This measurement is important in the field of precious metals; what does it mean, and why is it important?
When it comes to precious metals, we use ounces or troy ounces. Not to be confused with the common avoirdupois ounce, this unit of measurement is not the same. About weight, Troy ounces weigh 31.1 grams, while avoirdupois ounces weigh 28.35 grams. During the process of valuing gold and silver, making a mistake in the ounce measurement can result in significant pricing errors.
In its early days in the Middle Ages, the troy ounce was used to measure weight. Because it was accurate and reliable, it quickly became the most common way to measure precious metals around the world after it was created in Troyes, France. Learning about the troy ounce is important for anyone who buys, sells, or invests in precious metals. Therefore, to keep things consistent around the world, gold and silver prices are usually given in troy ounces. Always keep in mind that 1 oz of gold or 1 oz of silver means it conventional measurement.
In today's market, the price of gold is constantly changing because it depends on many economic factors. Currently, the price of an ounce of gold is around $2,472.09. Gold's price has gone up a lot over the past few years. Numerous factors constantly affect and change the price of gold.
Now, the price of an ounce of silver is changing based on continuously shifting market factors. As of 2024, the price has been around 25 to 28 dollars an ounce. Multiple important factors, such as the economy, industrial demand, and investor sentiment, have a big impact on silver's value.
The prices of precious metals change based on how well the economy is doing. Investors use gold and silver as safe havens when the economy is bad or when they don't know what will happen. To protect themselves from inflation, people buy precious metals as a hedge, which makes it more valuable. The spot price of silver and gold can change quickly when big events happen or there is political unrest around the world. Investors want these metals because they keep prices stable during wars, trade disputes, and shifts in world power. Like the prices of everything else, the prices of gold and silver depend on supply and demand.