Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD falls to near $73.00 on central banks' hawkish policy odds

Silver struggles as a stronger US Dollar, driven by safe-haven demand, makes the white metal more expensive for foreign buyers.
The white metal stays pressured as hawkish 2026 central bank expectations rise amid higher energy prices and inflation fears.
Trump gave no clarity on reopening Hormuz, warning of intensified military action over the next two to three weeks.

Akhtar Faruqui FXStreet

Silver price (XAG/USD) remains in the negative territory after experiencing volatility, trading around $73.10 during the Asian hours on Friday. The dollar-denominated Silver comes under pressure as a stronger US Dollar (USD), driven by safe-haven demand, makes the white metal costlier for foreign buyers. Trading activity may remain subdued due to the Good Friday holiday.

Non-interest-bearing Silver remains under pressure as hawkish central bank expectations for 2026 intensify. Rising energy prices tied to Middle East tensions reinforce inflation concerns, supporting tighter policy outlooks and reducing the appeal of precious metals that offer no yield.

US President Donald Trump offered no clarity on steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning of intensified military action over the next two to three weeks and issuing strong threats against Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that recent US strikes on civilian infrastructure would not force a retreat, describing them instead as evidence of an opponent in disarray and moral decline.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee expressed concern on Thursday over rising oil prices, noting they could complicate efforts to curb inflation, particularly if gasoline costs surge and lift inflation expectations.

Meanwhile, Lorie Logan, President of the Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Dallas, supported the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at the latest FOMC meeting, noting the labor market has stabilized since late 2025, though payroll growth remains weak and “uncomfortable.”

Silver FAQs

Why do people invest in Silver?

Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.

Which factors influence Silver prices?

Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold's. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.

How does industrial demand affect Silver prices?

Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.

How do Silver prices react to Gold’s moves?

Silver prices tend to follow Gold's moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.

Author

Akhtar Faruqui

FXStreet

Akhtar Faruqui is a Forex Analyst based in New Delhi, India. With a keen eye for market trends and a passion for dissecting complex financial dynamics, he is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful Forex news and analysis.

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