The reason why platinum is today the most valuable of precious metals is because it has unique characteristics and is required in many industrial applications. It is estimated that one-fifth of everything we use either contains platinum or requires platinum in its manufacture, i.e. it plays an essential part in the production of about 20% of the consumer goods. Among all the known modern uses of platinum, most of the annual production is consumed by two dominant categories - catalytic converters (part of the exhaust system in the automobile) and fine jewellery. Together, these two applications consume more than 70% of the world's supply of platinum.

As much of the demand of Platinum stems from the automobile industry, any change or downturn in it can cause significant impact on Platinum’s prices. During the financial meltdown during 2008, Platinum prices fell 65% from their peak, driven downward in part by faltering car sales worldwide. In addition to it, Platinum experienced a surplus that continued on into 2009. Since 2009, Platinum gained strength and prices had seen a rising trend, and investors returned to the metal, seeking a safe haven, holdings of ETF Securities’ Physical Platinum rose 87% over the first quarter of the year. The prices have remained volatile during 2011. In the beginning of 2012, platinum prices overtook gold prices, allowing the two metals to return to their traditional relationship. The increase in prices is generally attributed to improving economic conditions and supply concerns.