Conditions are ripe for more positive returns in precious metals during 2026.
Silver is a precious metal that sells for around $90 per ounce. Unlike its close sibling gold, it’s extremely useful in industrial applications, which soak up almost half of its available supply each year.
Silver’s price soared by 144% during 2025 on fears that China’s latest export restrictions could trigger a global supply shortage. However, like gold, it was also in demand from investors who were hedging against a rise in political and economic uncertainty, driven by elevated inflation, soaring U.S. government spending, and a record high in the national debt.
The iShares Silver Trust (SLV +5.88%) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that directly tracks the price of silver. Investors can buy it through most major stock trading platforms, so it’s a good alternative to buying physical metal, which often comes…
