The recent sell-off in gold and silver has led to fears precious metals may yet have further to fall, but some investors have backed them to provide a boost for portfolios later this year as they recover some lost ground.
President Obama began his first term in the White House on 4 November 2008 at the height of the credit crisis, vowing to rescue the financial system.
After a volatile few weeks for silver, Maria Merricks examines what the future holds for the precious metal.
Silver futures have recovered from the worst weekly drop since 1975, gaining 4.4% Monday to reach $37 an ounce.
Commodities expert Jim Rogers has warned silver could turn "parabolic" and rise to $150 this year.
The price of gold has hit a new high following Standard & Poor's move to downgrade its outlook for the US.