extraordinary events in financial markets during the past few weeks, assert
that uncertainties have become more prevalent, and how hard this makes
forecasting market trends. Sadly, this is now becoming a cliché. What were
once seen as “once in a generation” events have become increasingly regular
affairs in recent years. We will not attempt to explain or predict geopolitical
events, plagues or natural disasters. We do, however, have a strong view
on why events like the bank failures of March are happening. Following
nearly 15 years of near-zero interest rates, successive QE programs and
unprecedented fiscal stimulus, systemic tail risks have become fatter.
Markets have become addicted to stimulus, low yields (until recently) have
forced portfolio managers to riskier options, and assets across the board
have been artificially inflated, making it hard to identify value.
On balance, this environment is positive for safe haven assets like silver (and
gold). Similarly positive is the market deficit that silver will remain in this year,
as a result of factors discussed in detail later in this chapter. Nevertheless, in
spite of these two supportive developments, Metals Focus expects the silver
price will come under pressure in the second half of the year."
- Page 12 of the report
This report from the Silver Institute outlines many factors that have governed the supply, demand and ultimately the price of silver. It also provides some insight into what to expect for the coming year(s). If you're interested in learning more about silver, this is an excellent read.
https://www.silverinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/World-Silver-Survey-2023.pdf
