Many investors stand to capitalize on a wealth creation opportunity, as silver, if positioned correctly, surfaces as the “emergent king for investors,” according to Stephen Smith of Smith McKenna, the Hollywood, FL-based precious metals broker/dealer. 

However, while silver outperformed all other precious metals in the first quarter of 2012, managing member Smith fears that people will “continue to dwell on analysts’ volatile predictions.”

The value of silver has almost doubled since 2010, and global factors appear “on par” to boost the price of silver and gold – which saw an approximate 60 per cent increase during that same time frame – as unemployment declines, manufacturing demand is up, and economic growth is in order with GDP, up 2.2 per cent, the firm said. 

While the global mining production for silver only saw a 1.4 per cent increase last year, industrial demand and investor support continued to be strong, according to recent findings from GFMS' World Silver survey. 

“This news justifies the potential for higher silver prices in the near future, as total demand and industrial usage rises, amid constrained supply and production,” Smith said.

Having the “proper knowledge ahead of time” is crucial, and buying the physical asset itself, as opposed to derivatives, he recommends.