Despite a decade of loyal service and my thick wallet full of diamond and platinum travel membership cards, the airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies that see me week in and week out still ask me if I want a window seat, a smoking room, or the fuel option.

FORBES: Soon the Travel Industry Will Become Your Personal Concierge

Last week, HSBC joined a line of banks in cutting its full-year forecasts for average platinum prices.

WSJ: Platinum Signals Nagging Economic Worries

For the full year, the consultancy forecasts that weighted price of a basket of platinum group metals in the country will be above the weighed cash cost.

FORBES: Analysts: Too Soon For Platinum Tumble To Hurt Output, But 'Something...To Keep An Eye On'

Thus, one analyst suggests anybody wanting to take a longer-term spread trade in favor of platinum might consider tip-toeing into a position rather than racing full speed ahead.

FORBES: Platinum/Gold Spread Offers Trading Opportunity, But Timing Could Be Difficult