Core Viewpoint - Silver prices have surged significantly, with a year-to-date increase of 100.46% as of December 1, driven by various factors including industrial demand, heightened risk of short squeezes, and changes in tax policies affecting gold prices [1][2]. Group 1: Factors Supporting Silver Price Increase - The ongoing risk of short squeezes in overseas markets, particularly after silver was officially included in the mineral list, has contributed to rising prices [2]. - In the U.S., demand for physical silver has surged, with significant increases in the delivery volumes of active COMEX contracts, showing year-on-year growth of 194%, 147%, 51%, and 168% for contracts maturing in March, May, July, and September respectively [2]. - Domestic supply constraints are evident, with the Shanghai Futures Exchange's main silver futures contract holding 7,017 tons and the Shanghai Gold Exchange's silver (T+D) holding 3,968 tons, marking a new low in social inventory [2]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The demand for silver is being bolstered by increased consumption in India, particularly in jewelry, as well as rising industrial demand from sectors like photovoltaics [3]. - The supply side remains tight, with declining silver ore grades contributing to an expanding hidden gap in supply [3]. - The global largest silver ETF, iShares Silver Trust, reported a holding of 15,610.54 tons as of November 28, reflecting an increase of 28.21 tons, indicating strong capital inflow into silver [3]. Group 3: Future Price Outlook - Analysts predict that silver prices will continue to have upward momentum due to factors such as the U.S. listing silver as a critical mineral and China's tightening of silver export management, which is expected to reduce global silver circulation [4]. - There is an expectation of increased volatility in the short term, with ongoing supply-demand gaps and delivery pressures, suggesting that investors should manage risks carefully while gradually building positions [4][5].