Core Insights - The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) provide direct exposure to precious metals, with differences in historical risk, recent returns, and ongoing costs [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - IAU has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while SLV's is 0.50%, making IAU more affordable for long-term investors [3][4] - As of December 12, 2025, IAU's one-year return is 60.2%, compared to SLV's 98.9% [3] - IAU has assets under management (AUM) of $68.3 billion, while SLV has $33.4 billion [3] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, IAU's maximum drawdown is -21.88%, while SLV's is -38.79% [5] - A $1,000 investment in IAU would grow to $2,322 over five years, while the same investment in SLV would grow to $2,532 [5] Fund Structure - Both IAU and SLV aim to mirror the prices of gold and silver, respectively, and do not hold traditional equities or distribute dividends [6][7] - SLV holds 100% exposure to real estate as classified in sector data, reflecting the underlying commodity rather than traditional property holdings [6] - IAU also shows 100% real estate sector exposure due to commodity classification [7] Market Context - Investors are increasingly turning to metal ETFs like IAU and SLV amid concerns about inflation and rising sovereign debt globally [8][13] - Both ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500's total return, with SLV significantly exceeding IAU's performance [10][13] Volatility Considerations - Silver is traditionally more volatile than gold, which can be advantageous in a bull market, as seen in the last five years [11]

The year 2025 began with post-election optimism and expectations of a strong first quarter. Instead, markets were hit by the rise of low-cost AI initiatives from China, and its adverse impact on the U.S. Big Tech, Trump tariffs, sticky inflation, and persistently high interest rates. Stabilization in the market returned in the month of May after a tariff-led, turbulent April.Market euphoria started to solidify from midyear, thanks to easing trade tensions. There have been three Fed rate cuts this year, with ...

Core Viewpoint - Industrial demand for silver is driving its price to record highs, with the price exceeding $60 an ounce and more than doubling in value this year from about $30 to over $63 [1] Group 1: Price Movement - The price of silver has surged approximately 118% in 2025, reflecting strong investor interest and industrial demand [2] - In comparison, gold has increased by about 61%, while platinum and palladium have risen by 87% and 68%, respectively [3] Group 2: Industrial Demand - Silver's extensive industrial applications, particularly in AI data centers, electric vehicles, solar cells, batteries, and medical equipment, contribute to its rising demand [5][6] - The U.S. Department of the Interior has classified silver as a critical mineral, highlighting its importance in industrial applications [6] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The current easing cycle by the Federal Reserve, including a recent rate cut, is expected to further boost silver prices by enhancing industrial activity and weakening the dollar [7] - Silver's lower price point compared to gold makes it more accessible to retail investors, leading to more dramatic price movements during precious metal rallies [8] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Analysts remain bullish on silver despite its significant price increase, citing a supply shortage amid rising industrial demand as a positive indicator for future price movements [6] - Allocating a portion of investment portfolios to silver is recommended as a hedge against recession and inflation, with silver currently viewed as a more favorable option due to its industrial uses [9]

Gold pared gains as traders grew cautious on bets of further monetary easing next year after US Federal Reserve officials offered strongly opposing views Friday. Declines in US equities, driven by a selloff in technology shares, also meant some investors may have to exit their positions in metals to cover losses elsewhere. Most Read from Bloomberg Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said she would prefer interest rates be slightly more restrictive to keep pressure on inflation, whi ...

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – December 10, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: iShares Silver Trust (SLV) , United States Copper ETF (CPER) and Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (UUP) .Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:Will 2026 Be a Year of Silver & Copper ETFs?Silver and cop ...

What Is Happening Behind The Scenes In The Gold Market Is Absolutely Wild What is happening behind the scenes in the gold market is absolutely wild.December 9 (King World News) – Chris Powell featured this absolutely brilliant piece from Robert Lambourne:  Developments this year have strengthened suspicions that the Bank of England is complicit in gold price suppression, especially developments with the custody of the United Kingdom’s reserves of foreign exchange and gold held in the government’s Exchange ...

Core Insights - The U.S. dollar is under persistent downward pressure in 2025 due to Fed interest rate cuts and economic instability, leading to increased investor anxiety and a negative outlook for the dollar [1] - The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has decreased by 0.70% over the past month and 8.73% year to date, with an all-time decline of 17.38% [1] Monetary Policy Impact - The value of the U.S. dollar is inversely related to the Federal Reserve's monetary policies, with interest rate cuts making the dollar less attractive to foreign investors [2] - Markets are anticipating an 89.4% likelihood of interest rates being lowered to 3.5-3.75% in December, which is a significant increase from previous expectations [3] Investor Behavior - Volatility in the U.S. economy has decreased investor appetite for U.S. assets, leading to reduced demand for the dollar and further weakening its value [4] - U.S. equity funds experienced a net outflow of $3.52 billion in the week to December 3, marking the second consecutive week of selling [5] Investment Opportunities - A weakening dollar necessitates portfolio diversification and hedging for investors, with specific funds recommended for exposure to precious metals and emerging markets [6] - Funds such as WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) and Invesco DB Precious Metals Fund (DBP) provide broader exposure to precious metals [7] - Emerging market equity funds attracted $3.11 billion in inflows in the week to December 3, marking the sixth straight week of net inflows, with the Dow Jones Emerging Markets Index up 20.48% year to date [9]

Silver and copper have surpassed gold as the standout metals heading into 2026, with both institutional and retail investors positioning for record-breaking rallies. iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has gained about 96% so far this year, while United States Copper ETF (CPER) has advanced about 31.7%. Over the past one month, CPER has gained 5.2%, SLV has surged 15.1% while gold bullion ETF GLD has added 1.9%. Silver’s Explosive Surge and Supply SqueezeAs one can see from the return of SLV, Silver has nearly doubl ...

“Hooray, Hooray. I’m your silver lining. But now, I’m gold.” (Hat tip to the indie band Rilo Kiley.) Silver, long associated with runner-up placement, has seen a price acceleration this year putting it well ahead of the growth of precious metal’s favorite child, gold. That’s saying a lot, given how well gold has done in 2025. Year to date, silver prices are up 100%, compared with about 60% for gold. That has ramped up returns for the few silver ETFs on the market. But don’t expect them to attract a flood ...

Explore how these two leading precious metal ETFs differ on cost, risk, and structure -- key factors for portfolio decision-making.The iShares Silver Trust (SLV +2.30%) and the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD 0.18%) stand apart on underlying metal, cost, and risk -- SLV has higher recent returns and volatility, while GLD is larger and slightly cheaper to own.Both ETFs offer investors direct exposure to precious metals, appealing to those seeking diversification or a hedge against inflation. This comparison examines t ...