Silver Rate In Kerala

Introduction

Silver is also known as ‘poor man’s gold’ across India. Millions of Indians prefer to invest in silver and buy it in various forms. Silver prices are often influenced by various factors including its demand in industrial metal consumption. Statistics suggest that nearly 73% of the total silver production around the world is being used in various industries primarily for battery and mobile manufacturing and also in the soldering process, satellite production, etc. Silver is also considered to be one of the most precious investments by Indian households.

When it comes to the state of Kerala, fondly known as God’s Own Country, multiple jewellery stores are offering a wide range of silver jewellery designs. Silver gifts and artefacts are commonly purchased in the state. Silver bars of common denominations such as 50g and 100g are most sought after. There is heavy demand for silver since it can be sold at competitive rates as per the certification it carries. Silver is also considered auspicious in Kerala because it is used in various rituals as part of the tradition.

Kerala and the Silver Connection

Kerala’s economy is largely dependent on various commercial activities and earnings from tourism. Keralites have a special attachment with Silver. Silverware, jewellery, and other decorative items can be seen in almost all homes in Kerala. Purchasing silver is believed as a sign of financial prosperity in the state. The demand for silver has had nothing to do with its affordability, especially in the middle- and lower-income segments. Thus, Kerala has always been a great marketplace for silver trading as there are always buyers and sellers for this precious metal.

Silver Investment in Kerala

Despite the price fluctuations of Silver across the country, its demand has always remained stable in Kerala, especially in rural areas of the state. Kerala has always been a great marketplace for buyers and sellers of Silver.

Kerala is the main hub of silver manufacturing as well as trading as far as the Southern Indian region is concerned. The state’s local craftsmen are also well-known across the globe. The state boasts of more than 3000 silver traders & manufacturers. Some of the well-known jewellers in the state include Joyalukkas, Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, Tanishq, Fashion Silver Mahal, etc.

There are multiple factors which influence the price of silver. Some of these include the demand for silver in the form of industrial metal. Apart from household demand, silver is popular as industrial input.

Categories of Silver Investments

Physical Silver: Physical silver products is one of the oldest and most preferred investment modes in Kerala. Since ancient times, people have loved to invest in physical silver, especially people from Kerala who are more comfortable with this form. In the retail market, Silver can be bought as jewellery form, bars and coins. Various customary traditions in Kerala require silverware and ornaments and the usage of silver jewellery in daily lives is also very common. This provides umpteen selling opportunities to the medium & small scale retailers across the state.

Kerala has the maximum presence of silver jewellery as compared to the rest of the country. Silver coins and bars are also a preferred form of investment among the people of Kerala. The silver bullions in Kerala come with international purity standards at competitive rates. Silver investment can prove to be beneficial especially while considering long term returns combined with the liquidity option. Since the silver demand never dies down, there are higher chances of fetching good returns as compared to other investment options such as debt or equity. Silver presents numerous investment options and it can also be bought in various quantities as per individual capability. It is also easily available with various jewellers, silver stores, and even banks.

Silver commodity trading: Keeping the conventional silver investment aside, there is also silver market trading which is a profitable avenue for investment. Here, investors can choose various options like spot & future silver contracts. Kozhikode and Kannur are known as the primary trading markets for this precious metal. Silver ETFs are also traded on the Bombay stock exchange (BSE) in India. While indulging in silver commodity trading on a stock exchange, one must know the rules and conditions of the trade before entering into a trading contract.

Silver contracts: Top commodity exchanges like MCX or NCDEX offer investors the opportunity to trade in silver futures. Silver trading is an easier form of investment since it has a transparent pricing mechanism, internationally competitive rates and nominal transaction fees. In recent years, e-trading in silver has gained large popularity in Kerala as the smallest of businessmen don’t hesitate from using this option of silver investment.

Banks / Financial Institutions: Many public and private sector banks in Kerala offer silver investment options like silver Coins and bars. While the prices offered by banks may be slightly higher as compared to market rates, the purity is of the highest level and therefore, investors prefer to buy certified silver from banks. Banks usually offer imported silver which is internationally certified.

Factors Influencing Silver Rates

There are many factors which influence silver rates in India. While the silver rates have witnessed a spike over the last 2 decades, going by historical trends, this cannot be considered a benchmark for future price expectations. Silver investments have witnessed a dramatic spike in the country as investors look to gain higher resale value from future sales.

Some of the key factors influencing silver rates are:

• More buyers
• Daily oil prices
• Industrial demand
• Dollar rate fluctuations
• Import duties and subsidies

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