Gold, Silver at Record Highs: ETFs or SIPs, What Should Investors Do?

On Friday morning, gold climbed to a fresh lifetime high of $4,969.69 per ounce. Silver followed closely, rising nearly 2.5% to about $99 per ounce. The high rise in prices instantly catches the attention of many investors and it continued into early trade.

Moves like these do not happen quietly. They grab attention, spark conversations, and bring one question back to the table: Should investors buy now or wait?

Big Targets, Bigger Headlines

Global brokerages are clearly bullish. Some of the world’s biggest names believe gold still has room to run. Targets range from $5,000 to $6,600 per ounce. What stands out is that many price levels expected in 2026 have already been reached in early 2025.

Silver has its cheerleaders too. Author Robert Kiyosaki believes silver could touch $200 per ounce in the coming years and advises investors to buy on sharp dips.

This kind of optimism fuels interest, especially among retail investors who do not want to miss the next big move.

Reality check: Physical gold is out of reach for many

Here is what experience teaches you: buying physical gold or silver becomes difficult for the average investor when prices run this high. High prices, storage worries and resale costs quickly add up.

That is why experts are pointing small investors toward ETFs and mutual funds instead.

Also read: Gold ETF vs Gold Bees 2026 | Which Gives Better Returns?

Why ETFs are Getting Attention

Gold and silver ETFs allow investors to take exposure without buying the metal itself. You can buy and sell easily, invest small amounts and avoid making charges or storage issues.

But here is where caution comes in. Prices are hovering near record highs and some advisors are warning that buying aggressively at these levels can be risky. If prices cool off then short term investors could feel the pinch.

This is not the first time gold has surged sharply and it will not be the last. What matters is how you enter. ETFs or mutual funds? It depends on you.

Investors who can handle sharp ups and downs may consider gold or silver ETFs. Investors who prefer stability are better off with mutual funds through SIPs. SIPs spread investments over time. You do not put all your money in at one price and that helps reduce stress when markets swing.

What experts are Recommending

Among ETFs, names like Nippon India, ICICI Prudential and HDFC in gold, and ABSL, ICICI and Kotak in silver are being discussed.

For mutual funds, options include gold and silver fund-of-funds from ICICI Prudential, HDFC, Nippon India and Motilal Oswal.

The bottom Line

Gold and silver are clearly in a strong phase. But record prices demand calm thinking and not rushed decisions. Slow and steady investing makes more sense than chasing headlines for long term investors.

Markets reward patience far more often than panic. After ten years on this beat, that lesson never gets old.