In-stock Inventory at Silver Bullion Pte. Ltd. [Updated 6/5/2013 10:06]

Based on the current inventory as seen in the above chart from silverbullion.com.sg, there aren't any available physical silver to be acquired at the current price (updated 6 May 2013 10:27PM) of USD23.91 [SGD29.50]. From the silver bullion bars range only the Perth Mint Silver Bar (1KG) can be pre-ordered with a 5 weeks wait period. The rest are sold out and no pre-orders available. Now if the prices were to go lower from here (say USD21.00, 19.00, 15.00?), who'd be able to get their hands on some physical silver given that it is unattainable even at current prices?

Now with that said, it would make no sense at all (if) the prices were to go lower from here because you'd think with this remarkable physical demand, prices should be going north. But the daily silver prices are determined by the COMEX. Most of what is traded in these contracts represents silver that does not exist. Effectively, the price discovery mechanism for silver seems to be broken. However, price management/manipulation can only be temporary because eventually, physical shortages will occur which will drive prices higher.

Buying Silver Bullion in Singapore; [www.silverbullion.com.sg], Physical vs Paper.

I'm amazed to see that, Silver Bullion Singapore is currently Out of Stock of all their silver coin products and the Pre Orders is between 5-7 weeks. The demand for physical is remarkable! While the Silver Coin American Eagle 2013- 1 oz is not only out of stock but also no pre order is available, you can still acquire the Silver Coin Canadian Maple Leaf 2013 - 1 oz but seeing as it is currently out of stock, there is a 7 weeks wait after you make the pre order. To give some perspective regarding the price:
The silver spot price (last updated on their site:  28 April 2013 7:00) is USD23.96 (or SGD29.70). For a quantity of 1 or more (but not exceeding 500), the current price quoted is USD29.73 (or SGD36.85). That is a premium of USD5.77 (or SGD7.15) over spot (or 24% premium). Wow!!

The alternative is to trade or invest in silver through the UOB silver passbook account. This obviously has counter party risk but works well for someone who has confidence in UOB bank and would like to take advantage of cost saving and convenience (no need to worry about transportation, storage and theft of owning physical). Note that there is a minimum transaction limit of 10 ounces. To give you a perspective regarding pricing:
The current price quoted for 1 oz of silver at UOB purchased through silver passbook account (price last updated 27 April 2013) is SGD30.50. That is a relatively tiny spread of just SGD0.80! vs SGD7.15 for the physical!

Another way to look at it is, when you buy physical, the spot price needs to go up by a remarkable 24% before you break even. Really!? 

Some may say, if you don't hold it (the physical), you don't own it and hence are adamant in accumulating the actual physical metal. Fair enough. If you are in this camp, how about acquiring the Silver Bullion Bars as oppose to the coins. The premium is approximately USD3.62 (or about 15%) over the spot price. Silver Bullion in Singapore seem to currently have available the Perth Mint Silver- 1 kg and the Johnson Matthey Silver Bar- 100 oz, both of which are Out of Stock but you can lock in the current prices and arrange for pre orders.

To visit Silver Bullion Singapore website; www.silverbullion.com.sg

See Bloomberg article [Silver Slump Lures Buyers as Waiting Time Rises in Singapore; by Chanyaporn Chanjaroen- Apr 29, 2013]
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-29/silver-slump-seen-luring-buyers-as-wait-time-rises-in-singapore.html

To open a silversavings passbook www.uob.com.sg/personal/deposits/savings/precious_metal.html