The custodian buys precious metals on your behalf and outlets them in a secure depository. The metals are usually held in the segregated account, which means your metals are stored different from other investors’ metals. "This level [5 to ten%] gives a hedge against downturns without dragging down overall returns," https://johnathanhotxg.bloggosite.com/45340972/the-best-side-of-precious-metals-for-retirement