Silver Extends Plunge
Silver slumped as much as 16.5% to around $73.5 per ounce, snapping a brief two day rebound as the latest recovery attempt failed to hold and volatility surged across precious metals. Hopes for dip buying faded quickly as volatility intensified across precious metals, with silver underperforming amid broad deleveraging. The move unfolded alongside deteriorating US labour signals, including 108.4K job cuts in January and a jump in initial claims to 231K, which reinforced expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. Even so, the immediate response favoured risk reduction rather than defensive inflows, pressuring silver through margin driven selling after last week’s sharp rally. Policy uncertainty also lingered as markets weighed Kevin Warsh’s nomination as Fed chair, given his preference for a smaller balance sheet and a more cautious approach to easing. Meanwhile, easing geopolitical risk after confirmation of upcoming US Iran talks reduced near term safe haven demand.