白银也疯了，历史首次突破50美元/盎司

Core Viewpoint - The price of silver has reached a historic high, driven by increased demand for safe-haven assets and tightening supply in the London spot market [1][3]. Group 1: Price Movement - On October 9, the spot silver price surged to over $50 per ounce, marking the highest level since the "Hunt Brothers squeeze" in the 1980s [1]. - The price continued to rise, reaching $51.06 per ounce, with a daily increase of 4.5% [1]. - Year-to-date, silver has appreciated over 70%, outperforming gold, which has also reached historical highs [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Concerns regarding U.S. fiscal risks, an overheated stock market, and threats to the independence of the Federal Reserve have led investors to seek safe-haven assets [3]. - A shortage of freely available silver in the London market has supported prices and significantly increased the cost of borrowing silver [3][6]. - The current silver futures price on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Comex) remains below the historical record of $50.35 per ounce set in January 1980 [4]. Group 3: Industrial Demand and Supply Outlook - Silver is widely used in industrial applications, including solar panels and wind turbines, which together account for over half of silver consumption [6]. - The silver market is expected to experience a supply deficit for the fifth consecutive year by 2025 [6]. - The tightness in the London silver market is nearing unprecedented levels, with high borrowing costs for the metal [6]. Group 4: Historical Context and Speculation - The recent surge in silver prices has parallels to past spikes in 2011 and 2020, with the latter seeing a 140% increase in less than five months [7]. - Historical speculation by the Hunt Brothers in 1980 led to a significant price increase, which subsequently collapsed, illustrating the volatility of the silver market [7].