With record automotive sales expected of 83 million globally this year, the industry will continue to weigh on already deficient palladium and platinum supplies.
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What we are seeing is an emerging market story based around the demand for precious metals, whereas gold is a global monetary policy story.
Gold doesn’t have the same real end industrial demand as palladium, especially in emerging markets.
Stillwater Mining Co (SWC, quote) is the largest U.S. player and at one time was a significant holder of Russia’s Norilsk Nickel until they recently divested.