Gold vs silver: which to buy in Canada
Both metals serve different roles. Choose based on your goals, not someone else's opinion.
Gold as a store of value
Gold has a higher value-to-weight ratio, lower storage costs per dollar invested, and historically tighter dealer spreads. It tends to perform well during monetary uncertainty and is the default choice for wealth preservation.
Silver as an entry point and industrial hedge
Silver has a lower entry price per ounce, making it accessible for smaller budgets. It also has significant industrial demand, which can drive price independently of monetary factors. However, silver is more volatile and requires more physical storage space per dollar.
Premium and spread differences
Silver premiums as a percentage of spot are typically higher than gold premiums. This means the round-trip cost of buying and selling silver is often steeper. Factor this into your expected holding period and break-even calculation.
Tax considerations in Canada
Both gold and silver bullion may qualify for GST/HST exemptions depending on purity and classification. Verify the specific product against CRA guidelines, as treatment can differ between coins, bars, and rounds.
How to use MapleBull for this
Use the metal filter to compare gold and silver products separately. Check premium percentages, dealer coverage, and price clustering to understand the real cost difference between metals before deciding.