The silver market is seeing an uptrend in prices, with the white metal extending its gains to around $32.25 in the European session. This increase is largely attributed to the rising industrial demand for silver. According to the Silver Institute, total industrial demand is expected to rise by 9% driven by sectors such as photovoltaic. Additionally, analysts from UBS predict a significant shortfall in the silver market, further boosting prices.
Furthermore, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are also playing a role in supporting silver prices. Ongoing conflicts and recent events, such as the air strike in Rafah, are contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty, which tends to drive investors towards safe-haven assets like silver.
US Economic Data and Fed’s Hawkish Tone as Potential Cap
Despite the positive factors supporting silver prices, there are also potential challenges ahead. The upbeat US economic data, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone, could act as a cap on the white metal’s further upside. Fed Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari’s comments about waiting for significant progress on inflation before cutting interest rates suggest a cautious approach from the central bank, which may dampen market expectations.
Investors are keeping a close eye on key US economic data due this week, such as the preliminary Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers for Q1 and the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE). These data releases could provide fresh impetus for the silver market, dictating the direction of prices in the near term.
The silver market is currently influenced by a variety of factors. While industrial demand and geopolitical risks continue to support prices, the impact of US economic data and the Fed’s monetary policy stance cannot be overlooked. Investors will be closely monitoring these developments to gauge the future trajectory of silver prices.
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