Access Restricted for EU Residents
You are attempting to access a website operated by an entity not regulated in the EU. Products and services on this website do not comply with EU laws or ESMA investor-protection standards.
As an EU resident, you cannot proceed to the offshore website.
Please continue on the EU-regulated website to ensure full regulatory protection.
Monday Jul 20 2026 08:42
5 min

The silver price moved higher during early trading on Monday, recovering to approximately $56.85 per ounce after fluctuating between $55.40 and $57.49. The advance marked a second session of gains and suggested that buyers were returning following the metal’s recent decline.
However, the recovery lost momentum as silver approached $57.50. The inability to move decisively beyond that level indicates that selling interest remains present near recent highs. Some market participants may be using the rebound to reduce exposure after the sharp volatility recorded across precious metals.
Geopolitical developments provided part of the initial support. Escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing demand for assets perceived as stores of value during periods of uncertainty.
An energy-price shock can affect silver through several competing channels. Greater geopolitical uncertainty may encourage defensive demand for precious metals, but persistently higher oil prices can also increase inflation expectations.
If rising energy and transport costs keep inflation elevated, the Federal Reserve may have less room to adopt a more accommodative monetary policy. Higher interest rates and Treasury yields can work against silver because the metal does not generate interest or income.
Nevertheless, higher inflation does not automatically produce a negative silver price reaction. Precious metals can also attract demand as inflation hedges. The outcome may depend on whether inflation fears lift real yields and the US dollar faster than they increase demand for physical assets.
Silver differs from gold because a considerable share of its demand comes from industrial activity. It is used in solar cells, electronic devices, vehicles, electrical infrastructure and data-centre equipment.
According to the Silver Institute, photovoltaic applications consumed a record 197.6 million ounces of silver in 2024, while electrical and electronics demand reached 465.6 million ounces. Its electrical conductivity makes the metal difficult to replace in many high-performance applications.
This industrial exposure supports the longer-term silver demand outlook, particularly as investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence infrastructure expands.
In the short term, however, expensive energy and transportation could place additional pressure on manufacturers. Rising production costs may squeeze profit margins, delay capital expenditure and weaken demand if the oil shock contributes to a broader slowdown.
Silver can therefore receive haven-related buying at the beginning of a geopolitical crisis before industrial-growth concerns begin to offset that support. This helps explain why silver often experiences larger and less predictable price movements than gold during periods of market stress.
The $57.50 region is the most immediate technical test for the silver price. Monday’s intraday peak of $57.49 reinforced this area as resistance, with the metal retreating before establishing a sustained breakout.
A confirmed move above $57.50, supported by continued buying and a close above the level, could strengthen short-term momentum. Under that scenario, the $58 level would become the next potential reference point.
An intraday move above resistance would not necessarily confirm a breakout. Silver would need to remain above the level rather than quickly returning to its previous range.
If the price continues to encounter selling pressure around $57.50, attention may shift back towards $55.40, which marked the lower end of Monday’s trading range. A break below $55.40 could expose the psychological $55 level and indicate that the two-session recovery is losing strength.
These levels are technical reference points rather than guaranteed price targets. Silver’s relatively smaller market and sensitivity to speculative positioning can produce rapid moves through support and resistance during periods of headline-driven trading.
Developments in the Strait of Hormuz remain one of the most immediate catalysts. Further restrictions on oil shipments could push energy prices higher, intensifying the debate between haven demand and inflation-related pressure on precious metals.
Federal Reserve expectations will also be significant. Rising Treasury yields or stronger expectations of another rate increase could limit silver’s recovery. Conversely, weaker economic data or a decline in rate expectations may reduce the opportunity cost of holding the metal.
The US dollar is another factor to monitor because silver is internationally priced in dollars. A stronger dollar generally makes silver more expensive for buyers using other currencies, while dollar weakness can provide price support.
Finally, manufacturing indicators and the performance of gold may help determine whether investors treat silver primarily as a haven asset or as an industrial commodity. A deterioration in global growth expectations could cause silver to underperform gold despite elevated geopolitical uncertainty.
Silver’s 1.8% recovery to around $56.85 shows that buyers remain active, but the repeated failure to clear $57.50 leaves the rebound unconfirmed. A sustained move above that resistance could bring $58 into focus, whereas renewed weakness below $55.40 would increase the risk of a return towards $55. The short-term silver price outlook remains highly conditional on oil prices, Federal Reserve expectations, the US dollar and developments in the Strait of Hormuz. These competing forces may keep volatility elevated in the coming sessions.
Risk Warning: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, investment research, or a recommendation to trade. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Markets.com. When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange), and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leveraged products can result in capital loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before trading, ensure you fully understand the risks involved and consider your investment objectives and level of experience. Cryptocurrency CFD trading restrictions may apply depending on jurisdiction.