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Silver on the up – with the young leading the way: the precious metals market is attracting new fans

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London, 14 April 2025 – While the precious metal is gaining international significance, it remains an undiscovered treasure in the UK. Although the precious metal is lesser known compared to gold, it managed to achieve a price increase of 29% in 2024 alone. A new representative survey, carried out by market research institute YouGov on behalf of Degussa Group, shows that silver continues to occupy a niche position for investment habits, but with an interesting exception: the young are recognising its potential and making more frequent targeted investments in this versatile metal

Silver – more than just jewellery: an underrated investment

We often encounter silver in our daily lives, but mostly in the form of jewellery or decoration. As an investment, however, it has previously only played a minor role. Only three per cent of respondents hold silver in the shape of financial products such as ETFs or certificates. Traditional physical investments – e.g. silver bars or coins – are also relatively uncommon at approx. 14 per cent. By contrast, gold is kept in far more households as a stable investment.

Young adults believe in silver – and the future

Particularly interesting: 18 to 24 year-olds are showing an increasing interest in silver as an investment. Nine per cent of this age group are already making targeted investments in the metal – more than twice the average for the population as a whole. Christian Rauch, CEO of Degussa Group, sees this as a strong signal: ‘We want to make precious metals accessible for everyone, also for young people already thinking about tomorrow. Silver has a particularly low barrier to entry when it comes to investing in precious metals.’

An attractive entry price, combined with a growing buzz surrounding future technologies – e.g. in the areas of photovoltaics and electric vehicles – makes silver especially appealing to young investors. After all, silver plays a crucial role in many of these key technologies. ‘Silver symbolises innovation, stability and future technologies – as is increasingly being recognised by younger people in particular,’ notes Rauch.

A need for information meets huge potential

Despite the positive signals, there is still noticeable caution among many investors, with just 10 per cent having specific plans to invest more in silver in the future. Some 59 per cent currently rule this out, with 17 per cent undecided. This is mainly due to a lack of knowledge about the tangible benefits of silver. 66 per cent of respondents hardly see any difference between silver and gold; only 26 per cent cited the lower price as a benefit. Only 21 per cent of the population are aware of silver’s huge potential in pioneering technologies. But it is here that a great opportunity lies. Raising awareness can help shine the spotlight on silver – not merely as gold’s ‘little brother’, but as a promising investment in its own right.

Strong performance, strong argument

The numbers speak for themselves: since March 2020, the silver price has almost trebled from approx. 11 euros to its current level of 31 euros. In 2024 alone, the price of silver climbed by 29 per cent, and by 21 per cent in US dollars. The combination of industrial demand and growing investment interest is lending the metal impressive momentum, which is still underrated by many investors.

About the survey

The data is based on an online survey conducted by market research institute YouGov on behalf of Degussa Group. A total of 2,179 people were surveyed between 19 and 21 February 2025. The findings have been weighted by age, gender, and region and are representative of the UK population aged 18 and over.

About Sharps Pixley and Degussa Group

Sharps Pixley, a member of the Degussa Group, is synonymous with quality and reliability in the world of precious metals. As a professional partner for certified investment bars and coins, Degussa Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services in connection with precious metal investments and is one of Europe’s market-leading bank-independent precious metal traders. With some 220 employees, the company currently operates 16 branches in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

For further information, please contact:

Degussa Holding AG, Oberneuhofstrasse 12, 6340 Baar, Switzerland Andrea Haener, email: [email protected]

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EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms

New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.

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In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.

For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.

The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.

Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.

The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.

Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.

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AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis

AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.

In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.

The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.

AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.

However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.

The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.

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The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations

Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.

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As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.

The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.

One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.

Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.

Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.

The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.

Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.

In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.

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