I am glad to welcome my readers again! Precious metals are an asset that always remains valuable and even rises in price during crises and cataclysms, which cannot be said about money. But it comes with many inconveniences. You need to store the bullion somewhere (some are still buried in dachas), but it won’t be possible to sell it today even in case of urgent need. Fortunately, information and banking technologies provide us with an alternative.
The compulsory medical insurance rate at Sberbank today is an unstable thing. Today gold falls in price, tomorrow it rises in price - it seems that it is too late to buy it, because yesterday it was cheaper. But what if in a week it will cost 30% more?
Online course schedule
Theoretically, you can buy metal blindly and wake up a billionaire the next morning. In practice, very few people in history have succeeded in doing this. If we want to save money and increase it, it is worth familiarizing ourselves with exchange rate fluctuations and their dependence on the state of the world economy.
Gold
Despite periodic ups and downs, the gold rate is growing steadily. Since 2000, its cost per troy ounce has increased from 300 US dollars to more than 1,000, rising to almost 2,000 in 2012.
Silver
Some experts consider silver to be an undervalued metal. There is actually much less silver on the market than has been mined in the history of mining. This is due to the fact that most of it is used for industrial needs. Nevertheless, silver today is included in the list of precious metals and is also considered a profitable investment.
Palladium
Palladium is a metal needed by the mechanical engineering industry. Its center in Russia is Chelyabinsk and the Chelyabinsk region. Demand for it is stable, because even in times of historical turning points, people need cars, machine tools, electronics and medical equipment. All this means that there is no need to fear a depreciation.
Platinum
Platinum is the rarest of the four investment metals and the three that perform a monetary function (palladium coins appeared only in 1966 and were not in active circulation). In 2015, at the peak of its value, it was more expensive than gold. However, those who did not cash out their platinum accounts in hopes of future growth were mistaken: the growth was followed by a sharp decline. Nevertheless, today platinum is more expensive than before 2015.
Dynamics in recent years
By 2021, experts predicted an increase in the price of metal assets, linking the rise in exchange rate with the escalation of the trade confrontation between China and the United States. By mid-2021, this war reached its climax - both states imposed duties on the import of goods, the amount of which amounted to billions. The conflict has not yet been resolved; negotiations on the situation are ongoing.
Contrary to forecasts, all metals fell in price, and the owners of compulsory health insurance felt this for themselves. Perhaps the reason is that the dollar has strengthened in the global foreign exchange market.
If we take statistics over the last 10 years (from 2009 to today), we will see that all metals have risen significantly in price, despite repeated drops and increases in exchange rates, sometimes sudden and large. See how this happened in the graph:
Gold, Silver and Platinum Quotes from TradingView
Forecast for several years
Platinum prices are consistently high. This is explained by the limited nature of its natural reserves and the complexity of deposit development. Despite some fluctuations in the schedule, experts predict an increase in prices due to growing demand.
The main consumers of platinum are industry and manufacturing. For example, the European automobile industry uses a quarter of the mined precious metal. Even in the long term, the situation will not change significantly. The popularity of platinum jewelry is expected to increase. The use of platinum as an investment asset is growing.
These factors contribute to the fact that, according to experts, the cost of Pt will increase by 2-4% annually.
What is an impersonal metal account and what metals can be purchased
An impersonal metal account (abbreviated as OMS) is a financial instrument that allows citizens today to open a fixed-term (deposit) or perpetual (demand) deposit. It differs from a ruble or foreign currency deposit in that it is settled in grams of precious metal, and not in monetary units.
The investor thus becomes the owner of silver or palladium, but only virtual. When carrying out operations under compulsory medical insurance, the individual physical qualities of the metal are not taken into account: the number of ingots, sample, manufacturer, serial numbers. However, it will not be possible to withdraw funds from compulsory medical insurance in the form of real metal.
When opening compulsory medical insurance, the investor is traditionally offered 4 metals to choose from:
- Gold.
- Silver.
- Platinum.
- Palladium.
Features of valuable metal
The metal is characterized by a silvery-white hue, melts when heated to a temperature of 1774 degrees Celsius, and boils at 4410 degrees. It is much heavier than silver and gold, but at the same time it is quite easy to forge, draw and roll (high pressure processing).
The white metal is chemically stable, it can only be dissolved in aqua regia, slightly not brought to a boil (a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids), as well as in molten alkali and a solution of potassium cyanide. It is not susceptible to acid, does not oxidize, and is capable of crystallizing into face-centered cubic lattices.
Platinum is absolutely not toxic to humans, but if it contains impurities in the form of tellurium, then negative reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, skin irritation, weakness and general intoxication are possible. In general, it is considered healing due to its ability to penetrate the cells of the human body and activate the work of almost all organ systems.
Platinum has the following properties:
- heat resistance;
- electrical conductivity;
- inertia;
- resistance to acids and organics;
- resistance to aggressive influences.
Due to its strength, jewelry made from nugget does not break and does not leave scratches. For decades they are able to maintain their original impeccable appearance. Most often in the jewelry industry, platinum is supplemented with diamonds that perfectly harmonize with it in color, but sometimes other precious and semi-precious stones are also used. The cost of the products depends on how much a kilogram of pure platinum costs.
Compared to gold products, platinum ones are more durable and are suitable for daily wear. Less expensive analogues include titanium and palladium, which are used both independently in jewelry and as additional alloys.
How the price is formed
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The cost at which metal is purchased today for compulsory medical insurance is not taken out of thin air and depends not only on the Sberbank exchange rate. The initial (first) price is set by the London Precious Metals Exchange (LME) based on the results of trading by the main participants in the world market (today there are 13 companies). Every day at 14:00 Moscow time on weekdays, the Central Bank of Russia publishes precious metals rates on the official website cbr.ru. Quotes of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation are formed on the basis of quotes from the London Stock Exchange.
The metal exchange rate according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation also depends on the second factor - the ruble exchange rate to the US dollar today. The fact is that the exchange sets the price in US dollars per ounce, and the Central Bank - in rubles per gram. An ounce is always equal in mass to ~31.1 g, which cannot be said about the ruble, because its exchange rate is constantly changing and has been especially unstable in recent years. Therefore, even with the same price of gold on the LME, the rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation today may differ quite significantly from yesterday.
The quote on cbr.ru is the second price. There is also a third one - the one that the end consumer, a private investor (for example, me or you) focuses on. The bank, as a commercial organization, works to make a profit, so it slightly changes the price assigned by the Central Bank. Gold and silver are bought from the population at a price below the exchange rate, and sold at an inflated price. The difference - the spread - is the bank's profit.
The law does not regulate the procedure for determining the spread for compulsory medical insurance, so in theory, Sberbank can set any prices. Fortunately for you and me, there is interbank competition, and an organization that sets a draconian sale price will simply be left without investors.
Sberbank adheres to the “golden mean” principle in relation to the spread - this is one of the reasons why depositors choose it to open compulsory medical insurance. The second reason is the reputation of Sberbank. In the minds of the majority of the population, he is reliable enough to trust him with funds.
Areas of use
Demand for the precious metal has begun to increase over the past 25-30 years. Before the start of World War II, over 50% of raw materials were used only in jewelry, but today almost 90% goes to science and industry.
In medicine, platinum has become an indispensable material:
- for the production of dentures;
- manufacturing instruments for operations (they do not oxidize, they are easily sterilized in alcohol burners);
- in the manufacture of pacemakers and catheters;
- in the creation of cosmetics and medications intended for the treatment of oncology;
- in the production of filtration systems, laboratory instruments, measuring cups.
No less important industries where white metal cannot be avoided are oil refining and chemical production. It acts as one of the main catalysts for the oxidative reactions of ammonia during its conversion to nitrogen oxide. Platinum accelerators are indispensable in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products and vitamin complexes.
In the automotive industry, the use of catalytic properties makes it possible to burn and neutralize exhaust gases.
The jewelry industry uses about 50 tons of white metal every year. Exquisite and solid jewelry attracts the attention of true connoisseurs. The products contain at least 95% pure platinum, a minimum of alloys and additives. The cost of jewelry depends on how much platinum costs in rubles (1 gram today is 1710, 22 rubles at the National Bank rate), as well as on the complexity of the work. Making jewelry is a painstaking technological process that requires special, expensive equipment.
The unique metal is considered pure, light and carries only positive energy. It endows its owner with wisdom, kindness, and prudence. Any product can become a real talisman, especially for healthcare workers. Jewelry neutralizes everything negative that accumulates in a person, sharpens intuitive thinking, indicates the right choice and protects against bad influences from the outside.
Forecast
Today, most experts believe that precious metals will continue to rise in price, but there will not be a sharp increase in the exchange rate. They present both arguments related to all metals (mainly geopolitical) and individual ones (increasing inflation of paper money, finite reserves of precious metals).
For example, there is a version that by the end of 2021, platinum will practically displace palladium from the production of autocatalysts. This will lead to an increase in its demand, and consequently to a strengthening of its position.
Advantages and disadvantages of compulsory medical insurance
Compulsory medical insurance, like any financial instrument, has its pros and cons. The advantages of a metal account include:
- High liquidity with relatively low risks.
- No costs for transportation and storage of ingots.
- No need to pay VAT.
- Relatively small spread.
- Absence (most often) of bank commissions.
- Low entry threshold (from 1 gram for current compulsory medical insurance).
Flaws:
- There is a problem with interbank transactions under compulsory medical insurance (if you opened an account with Sberbank today, you will not be able to transfer metal to VTB).
- Inability to transfer grams from one compulsory medical insurance to another.
- You will have to file a tax return yourself.
- Lack of insurance.
The last minus is the most significant. He is one of the reasons why most investors in compulsory medical insurance today choose Sberbank: in conditions when you can lose everything, reliability becomes more important than profit.
Profitable investments
Since platinum is an extremely rare gem with a high value, there is a fairly high demand for it. Those who can afford promising investments invest in this metal. It is considered a powerful financial instrument that, if used correctly, can significantly multiply the invested capital.
Platinum is not only a metal that is always highly valued, but also the status of who owns it. The constantly increasing demand for it provokes a stable increase in prices. In addition, the silver nugget acts as an exchange commodity. Trading is conducted on the largest stock exchange in New York and on the metal exchange in London, and the conclusion of futures contracts and contracts for immediate delivery is possible.
For many decades, platinum has provided a reliable alternative to investing savings in a bank in a specific currency. Investments in precious metals are offered by dozens of banks throughout Russia that have the appropriate license. According to experts, this is a profitable instrument, the share of which can be from 13 to 15% in the investment portfolio.
How to make money on compulsory medical insurance
If you have chosen a speculative strategy, then you will have one tactic that has not changed since the first money appeared. Buy cheaper, sell more expensive - that's the whole secret. The only difficulty is predicting the course - even experts tend to make mistakes.
There is complexity. If you often withdraw money and buy metal again, the profit can be offset by the bank spread.
What does profitability depend on?
First of all, it depends on the type of compulsory medical insurance. He can be:
- Deposit (urgent).
- On demand (current).
In the first case, it will not be possible to withdraw money from compulsory health insurance before the deposit expires, and the income will consist of interest accrued on the account. It is advisable to establish deposit compulsory medical insurance for a long period - 3 years or more.
Today, it is impossible to open an urgent compulsory medical insurance at Sberbank, but for general education it is worth knowing about this, because the bank may revise its conditions - not today, then tomorrow.
The current compulsory medical insurance can be replenished unlimitedly, as well as withdrawal of funds. It does not accrue interest, and the trader’s benefit depends on exchange rate fluctuations and the ability to manage the deposit.
Profitability depends on the chosen metal. For example, if you bought gold, platinum or silver in September 2021, you still would not have received a percentage of the profit. But a bet on palladium would bring almost 3,000 rubles from 10,000.
If you choose between bullion or OMS, which is more profitable?
Platinum bars (measured weighing from 1 g to 1 kg and standard - more than 1 kilogram) are considered property. Their acquisition is subject to a value added tax of 20%, subject to physical ownership. If you leave them in the bank or buy non-cash platinum, you do not need to pay VAT. Keep in mind that storing physical metal in a safe deposit box for several years will cost you a hefty fee.
When selling an ingot, coin or closing an account earlier than 3 years after purchasing metal of any form, you must pay 13% income tax on the profit received. Such investments will pay off in the short term if the price of platinum rises by at least 30%, which is unlikely.
The least expensive type of passive investment in platinum is the opening of compulsory medical insurance. Purchase and sale of metal in ounces is carried out at the current rate. There are no additional expenses in the form of taxes if you do not cash out gold in the first 3 years.
Taxes on income under compulsory medical insurance
An investor who has opened a fixed-term compulsory medical insurance should not worry. The bank itself acts as its tax agent, which at the end of the year transfers the due percentage of the depositor’s income to the Federal Tax Service.
With the current compulsory medical insurance, and Sberbank today offers only this option, it is more difficult. Since the income from it is unpredictable (it may not exist at all), the trader will have to file a declaration independently. The scheme for calculating profits received from changes in exchange rates is simple: the obligation to pay tax arises only when the deposit is closed.
The fact that you filed a declaration yourself will not allow you to be recognized as evading personal income tax.
Account opening methods
An individual needs very little - just a passport, a certificate of TIN assignment (if any) and the required amount.
Poste restante
Those who decide to open compulsory medical insurance at Sberbank have two options:
- Come in person to one of the Sberbank offices (not just any branch is suitable - you should first check by calling 8-800-555-55-50 whether the nearest one is suitable for your home).
- Use the Sberbank Online service (only for personal account users).
In the second case, since the agreement with Sberbank has already been signed and your data is in the database, you can create compulsory medical insurance with a few clicks of the mouse.
Urgent compulsory medical insurance
Today, Sberbank does not offer to charge interest to investors for deposits in metal, so it will not be possible to open a deposit compulsory medical insurance. In those banks where such a service is available, the conditions for its provision are usually the same: either a visit to the office, or a simplified remote scheme for bank clients.
How to purchase (through a broker or bank)
Here are the purchasing options:
- Physical platinum bars and coins can be purchased from commercial banks. To do this, you need to come to the branch with a passport and a sufficient amount. Before purchasing, we advise you to check the availability of the bullion denomination you need. Not all banks work with platinum.
- Most financial organizations provide the service of opening metal accounts without physical delivery. To open compulsory medical insurance, an individual needs a passport and an amount sufficient to purchase metal. You sign an agreement, the bank credits impersonal platinum in ounces to your account at the exchange rate on the day of the transaction.
- You can buy a share in a mutual fund through a management company or agent, in an ETF - through any broker. The investor is issued a security certifying his investment rights. When submitting an application to purchase a share, you must have your passport and bank account details with you, which will be used for payments.
How to open compulsory medical insurance in the SB of the Russian Federation
If you have connected to the Sberbank Online service, you can open compulsory medical insurance today. The procedure will be as follows:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the main page and click “Go to the bank’s offer catalog.”
- Find the item “Metal accounts” in the list.
- Choose the metal that will become your currency (the most crucial moment!).
- Indicate the mass of the metal (the minimum in Sberbank is 0.1 grams of precious metal).
- Confirm the money transfer by clicking the “Continue” button.
- Read the contract carefully (it is short).
- Click on the “Open Compulsory Medical Insurance” button.
Congratulations: from now on you are the owner of several grams (or fractions of a gram) of precious metal.
