Getting to know your metals: platinum and palladium
Getting to know your metals: platinum and palladium
Article Summary
- Unlike gold, platinum and palladium are precious metals with prices driven meaningfully by industrial demand and supply constraints.
- The automotive sector is the biggest source of demand for both metals, as they are key components in catalytic converters that reduce vehicle emissions.
- These metals can present opportunities for diversification and exposure to investment themes related to industrial growth, resource scarcity and global energy transition.
While gold is prized as a haven, platinum and palladium tell a different story. Their value is driven mainly by industrial demand, especially from the automotive industry, where they're used in catalytic converters to help cut vehicle emissions.
With supply concentrated in just a handful of countries and demand tied to global manufacturing, these two metals can see sharper price swings than traditional safe havens like gold.
Precious in style, industrial in substance
Chances are the average person may not have heard of the platinum group metals (PGM), of which platinum and palladium are card-carrying members.
Yes, they are rare precious metals, but unlike gold, their demand drivers are more industrial in nature rather than rooted in traditional roles like safe havens, established stores of value or geopolitical risk hedges.
This is because platinum and palladium are widely used in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector. They are key components of catalytic converters or autocatalysts used to reduce vehicle emissions. Platinum is primarily used in diesel-powered vehicles, while palladium is more commonly found in petrol or gasoline vehicles.
Unlike palladium, platinum's applications extend well beyond the automotive industry. It is used in jewellery, as investments and in a range of industrial processes, including chemical and petroleum catalysts, electronics, as well as hydrogen-related technologies and other clean-energy applications.
As such, platinum enjoys a more diversified demand profile as compared to palladium.
Supply is constrained and concentrated
Supply of these metals is also highly concentrated and slow to respond to price signals. South Africa accounts for around 70-80% of global platinum supply, while Russia and South Africa account for around 80% of global palladium production.
Such concentration in production means supply is vulnerable to any number of unique risks, be it power shortages, labour disruptions, logistics bottlenecks, sanctions, trade restrictions and financing constraints.
In addition, supply tends to respond slowly to changes in prices. This is because PGM mines are capital intensive, long-cycle assets and production decisions can be very complicated. Also, new mining projects can take nearly a decade to reach full capacity.
It is this scarcity and concentrated supply that makes these metals precious.
Additional avenues for diversification
Platinum and palladium offer investors an additional avenue for diversification. While gold, and to some extent silver, continue to play a core role as established stores of value, platinum and palladium provide a different type of exposure, one driven by distinct industrial applications and supply dynamics.
That said, it is also important to recognise that platinum and palladium prices can be volatile. Despite their classification as precious metals, their strong industrial character means they tend to be more sensitive to the growth outlook.
Investors should therefore view platinum and palladium as precious metals with industrial DNA. For those willing to tolerate higher volatility, both metals offer a unique way to gain exposure to themes that sit at the intersection of industrial activity, resource scarcity and the evolving global energy transition.
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
General Disclaimers
- Any opinions or views of third parties expressed in this document are those of the third parties identified, and do not represent views of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (“ OCBC Bank ”, “us ”, “we” or “our ”).
- This information is intended for general circulation and / or discussion purposes only. It does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.
- Before you make an investment, please seek advice from your Relationship Manager regarding the suitability of any investment product taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
- If you choose not to do so, you should consider if the investment product is suitable for you, and conduct your own assessments and due diligence on the investment product.
- We are not making an offer, solicit to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument, enter into any transaction or participate in any trading or investment strategy with you through this document. Nothing in this document shall be deemed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into any transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy.
- No representation or warranty whatsoever in respect of any information provided herein is given by OCBC Bank and it should not be relied upon as such. OCBC Bank does not undertake an obligation to update the information or to correct any inaccuracy that may become apparent at a later time. All information presented is subject to change without notice.
- OCBC Bank shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person acting on any information provided herein.
- Investments are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The information provided herein may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or future performance of countries, assets, markets or companies. Actual events or results may differ materially. Past performance figures, predictions or projections are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance.
- Any reference to a company, financial product or asset class is used for illustrative purposes and does not represent our recommendation in any way.
- The information in and contents of this document may not be reproduced or disseminated in whole or in part without the Bank’s written consent.
- OCBC Bank, its related companies, and their respective directors and/or employees (collectively “Related Persons”) may, or might have in the future, interests in the investment products or the issuers mentioned herein. Such interests include effecting transactions in such investment products, and providing broking, investment banking and other financial services to such issuers. OCBC Bank and its Related Persons may also be related to, and receive fees from, providers of such investment products.
- You must read the Offer Document/Indicative Term Sheet/Product Highlight Sheet before deciding whether or not to purchase the investment product, copies of which may be obtained from your relationship manager.
- Any hyperlink to any third party article, or other website or webpage (including any websites or webpages owned, operated and maintained by third parties) is for informational purposes only and for your convenience only and is not an endorsement or verification of any such article, website or webpage by OCBC Bank and should only be accessed at your own risk. OCBC Bank does not review the contents of any such articles, website or webpage, and shall not be liable to any person for the same.
- In the event of links or hyperlinks which link you to websites of other third parties (the “Third Parties”), OCBC Bank hereby disclaims liability for any information, materials, products or services posted or offered on the website of the Third Parties.
Foreign Currency
- Foreign currency investments or deposits are subject to inherent exchange rate fluctuation that may provide opportunities and risks. Consequently, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the value of your foreign currency investments or deposits.
- Earning on foreign currency investments or deposits may change depending on the exchange rates prevalent at the time of their maturity if you choose to convert.
- Exchange controls may apply to certain foreign currencies from time to time.
- Any pre-termination costs will be taken and deducted from your deposit directly and without notice.
Global Equities Disclaimer
- Dividend growth is not guaranteed, nor are companies in which you invest obliged to pay dividends;
- Companies may go bankrupt rendering the original investment valueless;
- Equity markets may decline in value;
- Corporate earnings and financial markets may be volatile;
- If there is no recognised market for equities, then these may be difficult to sell and accurate information about their value may be hard to obtain;
- Smaller company investments may be difficult to sell if there is little liquidity in the market for such equities and there may be substantial differences between the buying price and the selling price;
- Equities on overseas markets may involve different risks to equities issued in Singapore;
- With regards to investments in overseas companies, foreign exchange rates may move in an unfavourable direction affecting adversely the valuation of investments in base currency terms.
Dual Currency Returns
- By buying Dual Currency Returns, you are giving us the right to repay you at a future date in a different currency from the currency in which you made your original investment, even if you would prefer not to be paid in this currency at that time. Dual Currency Returns are affected by foreign exchange rates, which may affect how much you get back from your investment. You may receive less than you originally invested.
- Foreign exchange control restrictions may apply to the foreign currencies linked to your Dual Currency Returns. As a result, we may repay your investment and interest in a different currency. You may receive less than you originally invested when the amount of this different currency is converted back to the base currency (the currency you originally invested). You may be able to get information on foreign exchange control restrictions, if any, for each foreign currency offered in relation to Dual Currency Returns, from the relevant monetary, regulatory or other governmental authorities for that currency.
- We will not end Dual Currency Returns before the maturity date (the date they are due to end). You may, however, withdraw the amount you originally invested before the maturity date. If you do this, please remember that you will have to pay any charges that apply which are calculated based on the amount of the time remaining before maturity date, as well as current market conditions relating to strike prices, foreign exchange rates and changes in the underlying foreign exchange pair. These charges may mean that you get back much less than you originally invested. Please feel free to approach your relationship manager for details of the procedures and charges that apply if you withdraw your Dual Currency Returns investment before the maturity date.
- Dual Currency Returns are not insured deposits for the purposes of the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Schemes Act 2011 of Singapore.
Collective Investment Schemes
- A copy of the prospectus of each fund is available and may be obtained from the fund manager or any of its approved distributors. Potential investors should read the prospectus for details on the relevant fund before deciding whether to subscribe for, or purchase units in the fund.
- The value of the units in the funds and the income accruing to the units, if any, may fall or rise. Please refer to the prospectus of the relevant fund for the name of the fund manager and the investment objectives of the fund.
- Investment involves risks. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
- Any reference to a company, financial product or asset class is used for illustrative purposes and does not represent our recommendation in any way.
- For funds that are listed on an approved exchange, investors cannot redeem their units of those funds with the manager, or may only redeem units with the manager under certain specified conditions. The listing of the units of those funds on any approved exchange does not guarantee a liquid market for the units.
- Any indicative distribution rate may not be achieved and is not an indication, forecast, or projection of the future performance of the Fund.
Bonds Research
This content is solely for information purposes and general circulation only and may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without our prior written consent. This content should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the securities/instruments mentioned herein or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy. Whilst the information contained herein has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and we have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained herein is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, we cannot guarantee and we make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness, and you should not act on it without first independently verifying its contents. The securities/instruments mentioned herein may not be suitable for investment by all investors. Any opinion or estimate contained herein is subject to change without notice. This content may cover a wide range of topics and is not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide any recommendation or advice on personal investing or financial planning. Accordingly, it should not be relied on or treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations. Please seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before you make a commitment to purchase the investment product. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should consider whether the investment product mentioned herein is suitable for you. There may be conflicts of interest between OCBC Bank, BOS, OSPL or other members of the OCBC Group and any of the persons or entities mentioned herein of which OCBC Bank and its analyst(s) are not aware due to OCBC Bank’s Chinese Wall arrangement.
The information provided herein may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or future performance of countries, assets, markets or companies. Actual events or results may differ materially. Past performance figures are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance.
The Information is provided to you as an “Accredited Investor” (defined under the Securities and Futures Act of Singapore and the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018).
Cross-Border Marketing Disclaimers
- General: The document provided by Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore (“OCBC Singapore”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
- Brunei: This document has not been delivered to, licensed or permitted by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, the authority as designated under the Brunei Darussalam Securities Markets Order, 2013 and the Banking Order, 2006; nor has it been registered with the Registrar of Companies, Registrar of International Business Companies or the Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance. The relevant securities or products are not registered, licensed or permitted by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank or by any other government agency or under any law in Brunei Darussalam. Any offers, acceptances, sales and allotments of the relevant securities or products shall be made outside Brunei Darussalam.
- Hong Kong: The document provided by OCBC Singapore is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
- Indonesia: The offering of the investment product in reliance of this document is not registered under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations, and is not intended to constitute a public offering of securities under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations. Accordingly, this investment product may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within Indonesia or to Indonesian citizens (wherever they are domiciled or located), entities or residents, in any manner which constitutes a public offering of securities under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations. In compliance with the Indonesian Capital Market Law and Regulation of the Indonesian Financial Service Authority No. 30/POJK.04/2019, the investment product in this document may not be distributed in Indonesian or to any Indonesian citizens (wherever they are domiciled or located), entities or residents. The investment product in this document has not been and will not be registered or filed with the Indonesian Financial Service Authority.
- Japan: The information contained in this document is for general reference purposes only. It does not have regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk tolerance and particular needs. Nothing in this document constitutes an offer to buy or sell or an invitation to offer to buy or sell or a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investment. You acknowledge that nothing in this document constitutes investment or financial advice or any advice of any nature.
- Labuan: OCBC Singapore does not hold any licence, registration or approval to carry on any regulated business in Labuan (including but not limited to any businesses regulated under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010 of Malaysia), nor does it hold itself out as carrying on or purport to carry on any such business in Labuan. Any services provided by OCBC Singapore to residents of Labuan are provided solely on an offshore basis from outside Labuan, either as a result of “reverse enquiry” on the part of the Labuan residents or where OCBC Singapore has been retained outside Labuan to provide such services. As an integral part of the provision of such services from outside Labuan, OCBC Singapore may from time to time make available to such residents documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of Labuan). Nothing in such documents or information is intended to be construed as or constitute the making available of, or an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any such capital markets product.
- Malaysia: OCBC Singapore does not hold any licence, registration or approval to carry on any regulated business in Malaysia (including but not limited to any businesses regulated under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 of Malaysia), nor does it hold itself out as carrying on or purport to carry on any such business in Malaysia. Any services provided by OCBC Singapore to residents of Malaysia are provided solely on an offshore basis from outside Malaysia, either as a result of “reverse enquiry” on the part of the Malaysian residents or where OCBC Singapore has been retained outside Malaysia to provide such services. As an integral part of the provision of such services from outside Malaysia, OCBC Singapore may from time to time make available to such residents documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of Malaysia). Nothing in such documents or information is intended to be construed as or constitute the making available of, or an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any such capital markets product.
- Myanmar: The provision of any products and services by OCBC Singapore shall be solely on an offshore basis. You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in Myanmar when entering into discussion or contracts with OCBC Singapore.
- Oman: This document does not constitute a public offer of investment, securities or financial services in the Sultanate of Oman, as contemplated by the Commercial Companies Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 18/2019), Banking Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 114/2000) or the Securities Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 46/2022) and the Executive Regulations of the Capital Market Law (Ministerial Decision No. 1/2009) or an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy non Omani investment products, securities or financial services and products in the Sultanate of Oman. This document is strictly private and confidential. It is being provided to a limited number of sophisticated investors solely to enable them to decide whether or not to make an offer to invest in financial products mentioned in this document, outside of the Sultanate of Oman, upon the terms and subject to the restrictions set out herein and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose or provided to any person other than the original recipient. Additionally, this document is not intended to lead to the making of any contract within the territory or under the laws of the Sultanate of Oman. The Financial Services Authority of Oman and the Central Bank of Oman take no responsibility for the accuracy of the statements and information contained in this document or for the performance of the financial products mentioned in this document nor shall they have any liability to any person for damage or loss resulting from reliance on any statement or information contained herein.
- Saudi Arabia: The Bank has not received authorization or licensing from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency or any other governmental authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry on banking business within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Bank does not hold itself out as carrying on, and does not carry on banking business.
- South Korea: The document provided by OCBC Singapore is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
- Thailand: This document has not been, and will not be, registered or filed with the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand. Accordingly, this document and any other information in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the relevant securities or products, may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the relevant securities or products be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any members of the public in Thailand, except to the extent permitted otherwise by applicable laws and regulations. Neither OCBC Singapore nor any of its affiliates outside Thailand have any intention to solicit your investment or subscription in the relevant securities or products.
- The Philippines: The information contained in this document is not intended to constitute a public offering of securities under the Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines.
- Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC): OCBC Singapore is not a financial institution licensed in the Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC") or the United Arab Emirates outside of the DIFC and does not undertake banking or financial activities in the DIFC or the United Arab Emirates nor is it licensed to do so. This material is provided for information purposes only and it is general information not specific in any way to any particular investor, investor type, strategy, investment need or other financial circumstance. As such this information is not financial advice or a financial promotion, nor is it intended to influence an investor's decision to invest. It is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments or to participate in any particular trading strategy in any jurisdiction.
- United Arab Emirates (U.A.E): The information contained herein is exclusively addressed to the recipient. The offering of certain products in this document has not been and will not be registered with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or the Securities & Commodities Authority in the United Arab Emirates. Any products in this document that are being offered or sold do not constitute a public offering or distribution of securities under the applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates. This document is not intended for circulation or distribution in or into the UAE, other than (a) to persons in the UAE to whom such circulation or distribution is permitted by, or is exempt from the requirements of the applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates, or (b) by persons who are duly licensed or authorized by the relevant UAE regulatory authority to distribute this document in the UAE and only as permitted under their license or authorization. This document is provided for information purposes only and contains general information which is not specific in any way to any particular investor and, the information contained herein does not constitute financial advice, nor is it intended to influence an investor’s decision to invest and it is not a recommendation for a recipient to buy or sell or hold any particular investment or participate in any particular trading strategy. The distribution of the information contained herein by the recipient is prohibited.
- United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, this document is being made available only to the person or the entity to whom it is directed being persons to whom it may lawfully be directed under applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom (such persons are hereinafter referred to as "relevant persons"). Accordingly, this document is communicated only to relevant persons. Persons who are not relevant persons must not act on or rely on this document or any of its contents. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Relevant persons in receipt of this document must not distribute, publish, reproduce, or disclose this document (in whole or in part) to any person who is not a relevant person. The deposits referred to in this communication are maintained with Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore ("OCBC Singapore"). OCBC Singapore is incorporated in Singapore and is authorised and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Certain deposits offered by OCBC Singapore are covered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Scheme, subject to conditions. The bank’s paid up capital and reserves exceeds SGD 1.5 billion – further information about the capital position of OCBC Singapore may be found at OCBC Bank's website: > OCBC Group > Investors > Annual report and AGM.
- United States of America: This product may not be sold or offered within the United States or to U.S. persons.









