Silver Spot Price
Live silver prices and interactive charts
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Prices
What is the spot price of silver?
The spot price of silver is the current market price for immediate delivery of one troy ounce of silver. Unlike gold, silver serves both as a precious metal and an industrial commodity, which makes its price dynamics unique. The spot price reflects real-time trading in global markets.
Why is silver cheaper than gold?
Silver is more abundant in the Earth's crust than gold, making it less rare. Additionally, approximately 50% of silver demand comes from industrial applications (solar panels, electronics, medical equipment), which creates different supply-demand dynamics. The gold-to-silver ratio historically averages around 60:1, though it can vary significantly.
Is silver a good investment?
Silver offers unique investment characteristics: it's more affordable than gold, has industrial demand providing a dual value proposition, and historically shows higher volatility which can mean greater profit potential (and risk). Silver is often called "the poor man's gold" and can serve as both a precious metal investment and an industrial metal play. Like all investments, diversification is key.
What drives silver prices?
Silver prices are influenced by: (1) Industrial demand (electronics, solar panels, medical equipment); (2) Investment demand and safe-haven buying; (3) Mining supply and production costs; (4) US Dollar strength; (5) Gold price movements (correlation); (6) Green energy initiatives (solar panel demand); and (7) Economic growth affecting industrial consumption.
What is the gold-silver ratio?
The gold-silver ratio indicates how many ounces of silver equal one ounce of gold. Historically, this ratio averages 60:1, meaning 60 ounces of silver equal the price of 1 ounce of gold. Traders use this ratio to identify relative value - a high ratio may suggest silver is undervalued relative to gold, and vice versa. The ratio has ranged from 15:1 to over 100:1 throughout history.
How is silver used industrially?
Silver has unique properties making it essential for modern technology: (1) Electronics - best electrical conductor; (2) Solar panels - photovoltaic cells; (3) Medical equipment - antibacterial properties; (4) Batteries - silver-zinc and silver-oxide; (5) Photography - though declining; (6) Water purification; and (7) 5G technology infrastructure. Industrial demand accounts for approximately 50% of total silver consumption.