Higher platinum prices are encouraging some in the catalytic converter industry to turn to palladium as a cheaper alternative, but increasing worldwide auto demand, especially for cleaner vehicles, will continue to drive platinum prices higher.
Platinum prices hovered around US$1,530 per ounce again Monday. Stuck between US$1,500 and US$1,600 since mid-May, analysts are predicting demand for platinum – used in everything from cars, to computers and cell phones – could be heating up and prices could be on the rise.
Platinum plunged to its lowest point in over seven months as growing concern of economic slowdown reigned over diminishing supply. All precious metals were impacted this week as crude dropped and the US dollar gained some steam against the Euro and the Pound.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011