For investors seeking momentum, iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 48.97% from its 52-week low price of $25.27/share.But are there more gains in store for this ETF? Let’s take a quick look at the fund and the near-term outlook on it to get a better idea of where it might be headed:SLV in FocusThis ETF is designed to track the spot price of silver bullion. The product charges 50 bps in annual fees (See: All Precious Metals ETFs).Why the Move?Silver ...

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]

Group 1: Stablecoin Initiatives by Walmart and Amazon - Walmart and Amazon are exploring the launch of their own stablecoins to reduce transaction fees and improve settlement times [1][2][3] - The two companies currently spend approximately $14 billion annually on card-processing fees, and a 1% reduction could yield around $1 billion in profit before interest and taxes [4] - If successful, these stablecoins could transform Walmart and Amazon into quasi-financial hubs, enhancing customer loyalty and profit margins while undermining traditional payment ecosystems [5][6] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Implications - The GENIUS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing clear regulations for U.S. dollar stablecoins, has passed a key Senate procedural vote [8] - If enacted, the GENIUS Act would require full reserves and transparency, potentially paving the way for mainstream institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies [9] Group 3: Silver Market Dynamics - Silver has recently begun to outperform gold, with a significant shift in the gold-to-silver price ratio, which is currently at 91, indicating a bullish trend for silver [11][12] - Supply constraints are contributing to silver's momentum, with a reported deficit of approximately 117 million ounces in 2024, and increasing demand from industries such as solar panel production [13][14] Group 4: Economic Impact of "Trump Accounts" - The proposed "Trump Accounts" could lead to significant new equity demand, with an estimated $3.6 billion in fresh equity demand annually based on current U.S. birth rates [22][23] - Over 20 years, the Milken Institute estimates that $1,000 invested in a broad equity index could grow to $8,300, potentially adding around $30 billion in future equity market value annually from this program [24][25]