When Should You Buy Gold and Silver

One of the first pieces of advice a new investor will receive is to diversify his portfolio. However, every market and commodity has its ups and downs. 

This includes the precious metals market. Plenty of financial experts recommend diversifying your portfolio by buying gold and silver. If you're wondering when to buy gold and silver, don't worry! We'll explore what experts on the subject recommend in this guide. 

When to Buy Gold and Silver

The first thing to understand about gold is that it is not an investment for long-term gains. Instead, gold is an investment that helps you hedge against inflation. Every year, inflation continues to devalue the U.S. dollar.

Gold, however, retains its value across time. In fact, it has performed well in five out of the last seven economic recessions. So, it is an excellent investment for uncertain times. 

So, when should you purchase gold? There are a few tips to follow. 

First, Carley Garner recommends purchasing gold in the later summer or early fall. In a CBS report, this strategist said that this season tends to offer the best prices for the precious metal. 

However, there are also market indicators that can tell when it is best to buy gold bullion. One example is when the stock market becomes too volatile. When the stock market becomes volatile, many investors choose to diversify their portfolio into precious metals. 

What About Silver? 

Silver is another crucial precious metal, and it is currently undergoing some really interesting trends. According to Sprott.com, at the end of 2024, silver's spot price was $28.90. As of December 2025, silver's spot price hit $65.00.

One reason silver has undergone such drastic growth is its increased demand in the industrial world. Several critical technology products use silver, including:

- cell phones

- water purification systems

- electronic devices

- solar panels

Silver is often easier to purchase than gold. Silver's spot price is currently thousands of dollars less than its sister metal's, making it more affordable for new investors. It's best to buy silver when you expect it to either retain or gain value over time. 

How Much Gold and Silver Should You Buy?

Diversifying your portfolio is good advice. However, it doesn't answer how much of your portfolio should be invested in precious metals assets.

Advice on this may vary due to your circumstances, financial goals, or the state of the economy. It is always best to consult a financial advisor to find the best investment strategy for achieving your goals. 

However, generally speaking, the standard advice is to put 5%-10% of your portfolio into gold and silver. If you have $100,000, it's wise to allocate somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 into precious metals. 

You may decide to allocate more or less of your portfolio into precious metals depending on your circumstances. For example, if you are getting close to retirement, it may be wiser to put more of your assets into gold and silver. 

Similarly, if you are a young investor looking to gain more wealth long-term, you may choose to invest less into precious metals. Stocks and bonds are more likely to gain long-term wealth over time.

Another way to look at the question is to invest in markets that have inverse correlation. Put another way, this means it's best to invest in assets whose values aren't affected by other markets. For example, the bonds market often has its own rises and fall, independent of volatility in the stock market.

However, it sometimes happens that bonds correlate with the stock market. In those cases, both assets can depreciate over time. 

The precious metals market does not correlate either with the stock market or bonds. As a result, it is a safe investment opportunity that won't be devalued by changes in these markets. 

Decide If Precious Metals Are Right For You

Knowing when to buy gold and silver depends on several factors. If you're unsure what to do, we first recommend finding a reputable trader in precious metals. 

From there, keep an eye on market forecasts. See when precious metals will hit a level that you can afford to purchase. If you are a new investor, it is strongly recommended that you start by buying silver. 

If you need help deciding on the best timing to invest in precious metals, it's always wise to consult a financial advisor. They can help you navigate the challenge world of market analysis to find the best assets for your portfolio.