Key Takeaways Cannabis ETFs surged on optimism around potential U.S. marijuana reclassification reforms.Precious metals ETFs gained as silver, gold and platinum prices climbed on supply concerns.Space and health care ETFs advanced on sector-specific growth drivers.Wall Street was upbeat last week. The S&P 500 lost 0.6%, the Dow Jones advanced 1.1% and the Nasdaq retreated about 1.6% last week. The tech stocks were beaten down, taking a toll on the Nasdaq-100 as well as the S&P 500. Roundhill Magnificent Sev ...

Core Insights - Silver prices have surged significantly, gaining approximately 96.03% year to date and 13.6% in November, outperforming gold which has increased by 62.02% year to date [1][2] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Experts indicate that silver prices have reached record highs this year, with a tightening supply backdrop suggesting potential for further increases [2] - Industrial demand for silver is projected to rise, with an increase to 689.1 million ounces in 2024 from 644 million in 2023 [8] - Solar panel usage has significantly contributed to silver demand, accounting for 243.7 million ounces, which is over 158% higher than 94.4 million ounces in 2020 [9] Economic Factors - The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has decreased by 0.56% over the past five days and 8.52% year to date, which can enhance global demand for silver as it becomes more affordable for foreign buyers [4] - Anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with an 87.6% probability for the December meeting, are expected to weaken the U.S. dollar, further supporting silver prices [5] Industrial Applications - Silver is essential in various industries, including medical equipment, electronics, and clean energy solutions, due to its unique properties [6][7] - The increasing industrial demand, combined with limited mined output, supports a bullish outlook for silver [8] Investment Opportunities - Several silver ETFs have shown strong performance, with iShares Silver Trust (SLV) gaining 59.17% year to date and Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) increasing by 132.57% year to date [11][12][13]

Core Insights - The Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) and the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) both focus on mining equities but differ significantly in their investment strategies and performance metrics [1][6] Cost & Size Comparison - GDX has a lower expense ratio of 0.51% compared to SIL's 0.65%, making it more cost-effective for investors [2] - As of November 14, 2025, GDX has a larger AUM of $22.21 billion, while SIL's AUM stands at $3.73 billion [2] - SIL offers a higher dividend yield of 1.17% compared to GDX's 0.53%, appealing to income-focused investors [2][7] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over the past year, GDX has outperformed SIL with a return of 114.6% versus SIL's 97.5% [2] - In terms of five-year performance, GDX has shown a growth of $2,007 from an initial investment of $1,000, while SIL has grown to $1,550 [3][8] - GDX has a smaller max drawdown of -49.79% compared to SIL's -56.79%, indicating lower price volatility [3][8] Portfolio Composition - GDX exclusively targets gold mining companies, holding 53 positions with top holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, Newmont Corp, and Barrick Mining Corp [4] - SIL focuses on silver miners with 40 stocks, including top holdings like Wheaton Precious, Pan American Silver Corp, and Coeur Mining Inc [5] - The differing commodity focus introduces unique risk factors and drivers for each fund [5][6]

Core Insights - The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) offers broader exposure to gold mining with a lower expense ratio, while the Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) focuses on silver mining with a higher dividend yield [2][4][13] Cost & Size Comparison - GDX has an expense ratio of 0.51% compared to SIL's 0.65% - As of October 27, 2025, GDX has a one-year return of 69.0%, while SIL has a return of 61.0% - GDX has a lower dividend yield of 0.6% compared to SIL's 1.3% - GDX's assets under management (AUM) stand at $21.2 billion, significantly higher than SIL's $3.5 billion [3][4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, SIL experienced a maximum drawdown of -55.93%, while GDX had a drawdown of -46.52% - An investment of $1,000 in GDX would have grown to $1,914 over five years, compared to $1,576 for SIL [5] Portfolio Composition - GDX, with 52 holdings, includes major companies like Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, Newmont Corp, and Barrick Mining Corp, providing broad access to global gold mining [6] - SIL focuses on 38 holdings within the silver mining sector, featuring companies like Wheaton Precious, Pan American Silver Corp, and Coeur Mining Inc [7] Market Context - Both gold and silver prices surged over 50% in 2025 due to geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and central bank buying, with silver's price also driven by tight global supply and industrial demand [8] - Approximately 60% of global silver demand comes from the industrial sector, highlighting its importance beyond just investment [8] Investment Options - Investors can choose between various investment vehicles, including bullion, mining stocks, futures, or ETFs like GDX and SIL, which provide exposure to mining stocks without the risks associated with holding physical metals [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Silver is currently undervalued, with expectations for a continued rally driven by strong industrial demand, supply constraints, and safe-haven buying amid economic uncertainty [1][3][21]. Market Data - COMEX silver futures are trading at approximately $49.74 per ounce, with a daily high near $49.96 and a low of about $47.85. Silver spot prices are close to $49.67 per ounce [2][23]. - In India, silver futures on the MCX market are trading around Rs 1,46,850 per kilogram, closely tracking global price movements [2][23]. Demand Drivers - Industrial demand is a significant factor, with silver being essential for solar panels, electric vehicles, and semiconductors [11][12][21]. - The demand from solar energy has increased as countries invest in clean energy, while the rise of electric vehicles has heightened the need for silver in batteries and electronics [12][21]. - The technology and semiconductor sectors are also contributing to growth, as silver's properties make it vital for modern electronics [12][13]. Supply Constraints - Global mining output is struggling to meet annual demand, leading to a structural supply deficit where consumption exceeds production [14][15]. - Low warehouse inventories and high deliveries to major exchanges are tightening supply, putting upward pressure on prices [15][21]. Investor Sentiment - Investor interest in silver has surged due to economic uncertainty and currency concerns, with many treating it as a safe-haven asset similar to gold [17][18]. - The tightening silver-to-gold ratio reflects silver's stronger performance relative to gold, enhancing investor enthusiasm [18][21]. Investment Options - Silver ETFs are popular for gaining exposure, with options like iShares Silver Trust (SLV), abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR), and Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) [6][19][20]. - These ETFs provide flexibility for different risk levels, allowing investors to participate in silver's price movements without holding the physical metal [19][20]. Future Outlook - Analysts believe the current rally is supported by industrial demand, investor interest, and supply shortages, with potential for silver prices to reach $100 or more per ounce [3][21][24]. - Small fluctuations in supply or demand could significantly impact prices, indicating a critical moment for investors [21][24].

Group 1 - The Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) has reached a 52-week high and is up 82.9% from its 52-week low price of $29.58 per share [1] - The Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index measures the performance of global companies in the silver mining industry, with SIL charging 65 basis points in annual fees [1] - The recent surge in silver prices has contributed to the strong performance of SIL, driven by a weakening U.S. dollar, persistent supply deficits, and increased interest in precious metals as hedges [2] Group 2 - SIL is expected to continue its strong performance in the near term, indicated by a positive weighted alpha of 54.01, suggesting potential for further gains [3]

Core Viewpoint - Silver has surged to its highest level since 2011, driven by investor demand as an alternative to gold and concerns over potential U.S. tariffs disrupting global metal supplies, with a year-to-date increase of 35% compared to gold's 28% gain [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR) have spiked, while silver miner ETFs like Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) and ETFMG Prime Junior Silver ETF (SILJ) have reached multi-year highs, indicating leveraged gains in a rising metal market [2] - The renewed threat of trade wars, particularly the announcement of sweeping tariff measures by President Trump, has led to increased physical buying of silver, further accelerating its rally [3] - Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty regarding the Trump administration's trade policies enhance silver's attractiveness as a safe-haven asset during financial and political instability [4] Group 2: Supply and Demand Factors - The silver market is facing a sustained supply deficit for the fifth consecutive year, primarily driven by surging industrial demand from sectors like green energy and electronics [5] - Approximately 50% of silver's total demand comes from industrial applications, with the remaining 30% from jewelry, silverware, coins, and medals [6] - The global push for green energy, increasing demand in 5G technology, and a rebound in global computer shipments are expected to continue boosting silver demand, particularly in solar panels and electric vehicles [7] Group 3: Price Influencers - The spread between London spot prices and September futures in New York remains unusually wide, contributing to bullish momentum in the silver market [8] - The weakness of the U.S. dollar has made dollar-denominated assets like silver more attractive to foreign buyers, further fueling the rally [9]