Gold & Silver as Commodities
Gold and silver are precious metals traded as commodities. Here's how they're priced and why they matter.
Why Track Gold and Silver?
Gold and silver have been used as stores of value for centuries. Investors and analysts track their prices for signals about inflation, currency strength, and market sentiment.
What is a Troy Ounce?
Precious metals are typically quoted in troy ounces. One troy ounce equals about 31.1 grams, slightly more than a standard avoirdupois ounce (28.35g). This is the standard unit for gold and silver markets.
Spot Price vs Physical Price
The spot price is the current market price for immediate delivery. Physical gold and silver (coins, bars) often trade at a premium above spot due to fabrication and dealer margins.
🥇 Check live gold & silver prices on our Gold & Silver page.
Major Price Drivers
- Inflation — Gold is often seen as an inflation hedge (see our Inflation Calculator)
- US dollar — A stronger dollar can pressure gold prices
- Interest rates — Higher rates can reduce demand for non-yielding assets
Tracking Prices on Stascash
Our Gold & Silver page shows live XAU and XAG spot prices in multiple currencies. Prices update in real time. Gold and silver are quoted per troy ounce; physical metal often trades at a premium above spot.
Why Investors Watch Precious Metals
Gold and silver are considered hedges against inflation and currency weakness. During economic uncertainty, demand often rises. They don't pay interest or dividends, so opportunity cost matters when rates are high.
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice.