Editor’s Note
As gold and silver prices surge to record highs in 2025, a notable shift is underway among new retail investors. Data from OCBC reveals that two-thirds of its new clients last year began their investment journey with these precious metals, marking a significant departure from the traditional preference for stocks and unit trusts. This trend highlights how younger investors are redefining market entry points in response to current economic conditions.
Gold and silver prices repeatedly hit new highs in 2025, with two-thirds of OCBC’s new retail clients last year choosing gold and silver as their starting point for investment. Previously, stocks and unit trusts were the preferred investment products for the bank’s new customers.
OCBC stated in a release on Thursday (February 19) that the number of people investing in precious metals through the bank showed explosive growth last year, primarily in paper gold and paper silver.
The bank observed that despite rising precious metal prices, the number of new investors continued to climb, doubling month-on-month by the end of January this year.
Traditionally, gold and silver have long been favored by older investors. As prices continue to rise, more young investors are turning their attention to precious metals.
According to data provided by OCBC, the number of investors under 40 in 2025 increased significantly compared to 2024, accounting for half of the total investor base. Among all age groups, investors in their 20s showed the fastest growth in gold and silver holdings.
Li Yong’en, 24, made her first investment just three months ago. With limited spare cash, she initially purchased S$100 worth of paper silver through OCBC’s digital app, later adding two more investments totaling S$1,000.
OCBC noted that fractional trading has further lowered the investment barrier, particularly attracting young investors with limited capital. They can purchase paper gold or paper silver in real-time through the bank’s app, with a minimum transaction of 0.01 ounces or 0.31 grams.
Tan Siew Lee, General Manager of OCBC Bank’s Group Wealth Management, pointed out that precious metals, especially gold, continue to be supported by solid structural factors and will remain an important source of portfolio diversification.
She cautioned that while precious metals can diversify portfolio risk, investors should maintain an appropriate allocation ratio.
She advised investors holding little or no gold to consider building positions gradually during market pullbacks, focusing on long-term goals rather than speculation or chasing short-term fluctuations.
Currently, among local banks, both UOB and OCBC offer precious metal accounts. UOB’s accounts allow conversion to physical gold, with a minimum transaction of 5 grams of gold or 10 ounces of silver. OCBC focuses on paper gold and paper silver, with a minimum transaction of 0.01 ounces or 0.31 grams.
As of 7 p.m. on Thursday, the spot gold price was again approaching the $5,000 per ounce mark, at $4,993 (approximately S$6,327); spot silver was at $78.47 per ounce.