@Silv and @Don F, First my purpose for holding IVR is primarily...

@Silv and @Don F, First my purpose for holding IVR is primarily for the exposure
to the POS which it provides,and at an extremely cheap entrance point.
As regards the reasons for owning AG (bullion and phys) we probably would all agree,historical Au/Ag ratios, historical monetary metal status,etc.
I could go on, but we're probably on the same page.
As has been noted, this HC site has a lot of so called "alternative" views on reasons for holding PM's, so i'll add my tuppence worth.
Currently, Oct 2022, it seems we're in the endgame, central banks appear to have truly painted themselves into a corner, runaway inflation
which their attempts (far too late) to control may end in crashing the markets, or if they backoff will cause the $US to collapse.
Wether you believe,as Silv appears to, that the possible crash is
deliberately planned, which it may be,or not, hardly matters for those of us
who hold Ag as the insurance against such events.
I am unmoved by the plight of all those who stumble on,oblivious to what
may be coming,as many have noted, "he who has eyes,let him see".
Here in NZ, PM Jacinda Ardern has recently given,what should have been
seen as a blood-curdling address at the UN. where, among other things
she described those who use "dis or mis information" as dealing in "weapons of war".
Soon,in this light, anyone who disagrees with the establishment narrative will be labelled criminal.
And the bought and payed for--literally--mainstream media have not had a word to say about her tyrannical views.
My point is, and as Don F notes, rising interest rates will place many 30 and 40 somethings into the financially overstretched desperado band.

And the mainstream, media,and public opinion,will bleat
"who could have seen this coming"
Lambs to the slaughter, with the active connivance of
our so called leaders.