涨得比黄金还“疯”！印度韩国掀起抢购潮

Core Insights - Silver has experienced a remarkable price increase of nearly 100% this year, reaching a peak of $57.863 per ounce, leading to a global buying frenzy [1] - The current surge in silver prices is attributed to a unique "short squeeze" scenario in the futures market, reminiscent of historical events [2] - The supply of silver is critically low, with only about 4,000 tons available for trading in London, significantly down from 8,000-9,000 tons at the end of last year [1][2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The London silver market is facing a severe shortage, with a significant portion of the inventory tied up in ETFs, making it difficult for short sellers to find physical silver for delivery [1] - The rental rate for silver in London surged to over 30% due to the scarcity of available silver [1] - Industrial demand for silver is a key driver of its price increase, with a projected 4% growth in industrial silver demand in 2024, reaching 680.5 million ounces [3] Regional Market Trends - In India, there has been a notable shift in consumer behavior, with many opting to purchase silver instead of gold due to its lower price, leading to a surge in demand during the festival season [2] - South Korea has also seen a dramatic increase in silver bar sales, with orders rising tenfold compared to the previous year, prompting banks to suspend silver bar sales due to supply shortages [2] - The domestic market in China is experiencing similar trends, with reports of silver bar shortages and increased demand from consumers [2][3] Investment Considerations - While silver has outperformed gold in 2023, its long-term price stability is less certain due to its higher volatility and greater reliance on industrial demand, which constitutes over 50% of its consumption [3] - The financial attributes of silver, combined with supply-demand dynamics, are expected to continue supporting its price, but caution is advised regarding potential price corrections [3]