Silver Prices Climb as Investors Flock to Safe-Haven Assets

Silver prices are rising sharply as investors rush into safe-haven assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

An abrupt surge in silver prices on February 27, 2026, reflects mounting investor demand for stability. On India’s MCX, silver jumped by ₹8,300 per kilogram, nearing ₹2.7 lakh, while silver and gold ETFs gained up to 4% as U.S.–Iran talks and tariff worries intensified .

Why It Matters Now

Silver’s appeal is rising because it serves dual roles: a safe-haven asset and a critical industrial metal. That combination is drawing attention as geopolitical risks and trade policy shifts unsettle markets. The sharp price moves underscore how quickly investor sentiment can shift toward precious metals when uncertainty spikes .

Price Context and Market Drivers

Silver’s U.S. spot price has climbed back above $90 per ounce. As of February 26, 2026, it stood at $90.81 . A day earlier, on February 26, Minelistings reported a spot price of $90.52, up 3.44% from the prior day, with a high of $90.94 .

February has seen wild swings. The low was $68.95 on February 5, and the high reached $89.17 by February 4 . The volatility stems from a mix of geopolitical tensions, tariff policy shifts, and persistent industrial demand amid a structural supply deficit .

ETF and Futures Activity

Silver ETFs are seeing strong inflows. On February 23, silver and gold ETFs surged up to 17%, driven by U.S.–Iran tensions and new tariff announcements . Earlier in the week, ETFs gained up to 4% . Futures markets are also active: February 2026 silver futures traded around $90.94, with mini futures at $91.10 .

Industrial Demand and Supply Constraints

Industrial demand remains a key driver. Silver is in its sixth consecutive year of structural supply deficit, with demand from solar, electronics, and other sectors outpacing production . That deficit, combined with geopolitical risk, is reinforcing silver’s price floor.

Diverging Forecasts and Risk Signals

J.P. Morgan projects silver to average $81 per ounce in 2026, more than double its 2025 average, though they caution that volatility remains high . CoinCodex offers a bullish long-term forecast, projecting prices could reach as high as $287 per ounce by December 2026, though such forecasts often rely on extreme scenarios .

On the bearish side, former JPMorgan quant chief Marko Kolanovic warns of a potential 50% plunge in silver prices over the next year, citing historical commodity bubbles and weakening demand fundamentals .

What’s Ahead

If you’re watching key levels, $90–$91 per ounce is the current battleground. A sustained break above that could attract more speculative interest. The upcoming U.S.–Iran talks and any shifts in U.S. tariff policy will be critical catalysts.

On the supply side, COMEX inventory levels and delivery mechanics could influence price direction, especially as March delivery approaches .

Industrial demand trends—especially in solar and electronics—will also matter. If supply remains tight and demand holds, silver could stay elevated. But if demand softens or supply improves, the risk of sharp pullbacks looms.

Silver’s volatility makes it a double-edged sword. For now, it’s riding a wave of safe-haven demand. The next moves will depend on geopolitics, policy, and industrial fundamentals.