A bullion market is a market where buyers and sellers trade gold and silver as well as associated derivatives. The London Bullion Market is the primary bullion market, and it is an over-the-counter (OTC) market open 24 hours a day that transacts gold and silver at market spot prices, and also includes trading of forwards and options on the metals. The London Bullion Market is maintained by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), which has established standards for the production quality of metals transacted and settled within the market. The physical characteristics of gold and silver bars used in settlement in the market are described by the Good Delivery specification, which is a set of rules issued by the LBMA. The industrial uses of gold and silver are the primary market drivers for the pricing of these precious metals. Bullion markets exist across the globe, and most of the transactions take place through electronic means or by phone. The versatile uses of silver and gold in many areas, especially its industrial applications, decide the prices of the precious metal. Bullions are considered as a safe bet to hedge against inflation or as a safe haven for investment. The primary disadvantage of trading in physical bullion is that it is difficult to store the metal, as there is always a risk of theft associated with it. The brokers also facilitate the transactions between parties of two different countries or places.