Among potential problems with shorter settlement cycles were issues around securities lending, foreign exchange transaction and delivery of physical securities.

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When looking at exchange-traded funds, one of the main platinum ETFs, the ETF Securities Physical Platinum Shares (NYSE ARCA: PPLT) has seen redemptions, too.

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When a trade was between customers of different firms it had to be settled by a physical transfer of paper securities.

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Despite Warner's challenges, it is faring slightly better than other major music companies given the strength of its digital business, which has a higher market share than the company's physical sales, according to Pacific Crest Securities analyst Evan Wilson.

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Investec Securities said, however, that, while lower prices could trigger stronger physical demand from jewelry markets, this market is likely to pick up only around June or July as seasonal restocking takes place, driven initially from India.

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You can also opt for gold-backed securities like the SPDR Gold Shares ETF ( GLD), in which assets are backed by physical gold held in trust for shareholders.

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Mr. STEPHEN HARBECK (President, Securities Investor Protection Corporation): We are in the absolute first stages of this, getting physical control of the premises, making sure that the bank accounts are locked up, things like that.

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