Would it be a good idea to invest in rare earth metals? I've heard that while they may not be as "rare" as the name implies, they have a huge demand in emerging technologies such as hybrid vehicles. I know China has vast stockpiles of them, but they aren't selling much at all.
Well, for China yes. For the average person no. The reason I say this is because China has solar panel production so they need it for industry not so much for investment. And if you somehow got your hands on rare earth metals how would you sell them. You certainly do not see pawn shops saying "WE BUY RARE EARTH METALS" lol Do you understand? China uses it for industry, but not for an investment. And you are correct in saying some of them are not really rare.
For investment purposes, I would rather stick to the traditional metals like silver and gold. At the very least, I know where to buy and sell it.
I think that part of the rarity of these metals includes the difficulty of extracting them. China has become a major supplier of these "Rare Earth Metals" because of their low standards. In other words, they don't mind if they poison thousands of people and pollute wide areas of their own country, as long as they get the metals out.
I think that part of the rarity of these metals includes the difficulty of extracting them. China has become a major supplier of these "Rare Earth Metals" because of their low standards. In other words, they don't mind if they poison thousands of people and pollute wide areas of their own country, as long as they get the metals out. ....................... I agree with you Peter. I was just wondering why there were people who are so keen in obtaining this kind of elements despite of the harmful consequences that it might do to other people. I am not being hypocrite, i know we need it, but with such excessive amount?? nah,, i don't think so..
Well rare earth metals are very, yes very hard to extract. They may not be as rare as they sound but aluminum was once very difficult to extract from bauxite and it still is but it's not worth investing in. Also you have to keep them in vacuum ampoules.
How you are going to invest in them when they are not readily available? Bullion dealers like KITCO does not sell rare earths. And I don't think they are available in the form of bullion coins or bars.
