Group 1 - Silver prices have retreated from record highs due to profit-taking by traders and a slight recovery in a key dollar strength indicator, with silver prices dropping 2.4% to $57.0935 per ounce [1] - Silver prices have nearly doubled this year, surpassing a 60% increase in gold prices, with both metals on track for their best annual performance since 1979 [3] - The recent tightening in the silver market has led to record inflows into London, causing supply concerns in other regions [3] Group 2 - Delayed U.S. economic data has strengthened expectations for a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in its final policy meeting of the year, with a significant drop in private sector employment reported [3] - Traders are closely monitoring the potential for U.S. tariffs on silver, as the U.S. Geological Survey has listed silver as a critical mineral [3] - The influx of silver into the New York Commodity Exchange (COMEX) has been driven by the prospect of U.S. premiums, which may limit liquidity until tariff policies are clarified [3][4] Group 3 - The inflow of options funds into silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs), led by retail investors, has significantly impacted prices, creating a market structure favorable for price surges [4] - The total volume of call and put options for popular physical silver ETFs has recently surged to levels seen during last October's tightening period [4] - As of the latest data, silver prices have decreased by 1.65% to $57.5382 per ounce, following a record high of $58.9789 per ounce [4]