Silver mining stocks jump as metal holds above $90 milestone

Core Viewpoint - Silver prices have surged significantly, with spot silver crossing the $90-an-ounce mark for the first time, reflecting strong industrial demand and market volatility [1][2]. Silver Price Movement - Spot silver prices have increased by 27% year-to-date, outperforming gold with a 150% annual gain last year [1][2]. - As of the latest trading, spot silver was priced at $90.55 per ounce, while silver futures for March delivery were at $90.40 [1][2]. Company Performance - U.S.-listed shares of silver mining companies saw notable gains, with Hecla Mining up 3.4%, Endeavour Silver up 3.3%, and First Majestic Silver up 3.2% [3]. - Other companies like Coeur Mining, Silvercorp Metals, and Teck Resources also reported increases in their stock prices, ranging from 2.3% to 2.9% [3]. ETF Performance - Silver-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced significant rallies, with the Abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF rising by 4%, the iShares Silver Trust fund increasing by 4.2%, and ProShares' Ultra Silver ETF surging by 8.2% [4]. Investment Insights - BlackRock has shifted its investment strategy towards silver-related equities, indicating a positive long-term outlook for silver, particularly as it is viewed more as an industrial metal than gold [5][6]. - The company anticipates that returns in 2026 will depend on how mining companies manage increased cash flows, emphasizing the importance of disciplined capital allocation [7].