Palladium

Properties

• •Chemical symbol Pd, atomic number 46
• •Lightest and most reactive of the platinum group metals
• •Absorbs hydrogen gas at room temperature
• •Primarily sourced as a byproduct of nickel and platinum mining in Russia and South Africa

Uses

Palladium is the primary metal used in catalytic converters for gasoline engines, making automotive demand its dominant price driver. It also has applications in electronics, dentistry, and jewelry as a hypoallergenic alternative to platinum.

Why investors hold it

Because the palladium market is small and supply is concentrated in a few countries, prices can move sharply on relatively modest shifts in supply or demand. Investors who add it to a metals allocation typically do so for diversification and exposure to automotive demand trends distinct from gold and silver.

Common bullion forms

• •Coins (Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf and others, availability varies)
• •Bars from 1 ounce up to 100 gram
• •More limited availability overall compared to gold and silver due to smaller market size