Silver was doing fine until Israel made an announcement about Trump and Iran. Then, Boom, it dropped like a lead fishing weight.
Breaking it down to sheer dollars and cents and supply side economics, I see it like this. With the incredibly volatile pricing for the past 3-4 months, and the short supply, APMEX and all the other majors have been paying up for whatever inventory they currently have. The past couple of weeks have shown a bit lower bottom side of the pricing range. With today's considerable drop in silver spot, if APMEX were to keep their lower premiums on the ASE's they'd lose money. That can't happen. So they increase premiums to effectively guaranty they are profitable. Based on today's closing spot vs their quoted ASE price the premium is 21%.
So Here is my Update!! It has been 2 weeks since I mailed my package to JM Bullion . 1 week transit and Now a week since they excepted it. And I have not heard from them. They must be really backed up on all the buying at $100 to 117.00 I do however believe that getting any extra for my stuff being real nice has sailed away.
Hang tight for now. The largest naval battleship on the planet is sailing to the Persian Gulf, ours. Things could get interesting.
I helped stimulate the economy this morning. Went to the gold show in Quartzite AZ. Same basic show, the turquoise guy that I was looking for wasn't there so I couldn't match up a missing stone on a cuff bracelet. Was offered $150 for a signed piece. The guy said he would have it repaired for $100 which he doesn't do himself plus shipping costs both ways and put a price of $275 on it. I passed... On selling the cuff bracelet. Saw someone selling some gold nuggets. A little over an ounce...28.? grams and 8.? grams. Was quoted 70% of spot on a 20 karat valuation. There was some white quartz on a few pieces but generally not cleaned. Quoted $4100 and sold it. Heard later that they were into the lot for about $2000 and have been sitting on it for awhile.
I’ve always wanted to go to that show but just too far. I want to buy, not sell. Be patient on the bracelet and you’ll find the stone you need.
Has nothing to do with it but strengthening the dollar, I think we have found a medium, just my opinion.
Years ago before the Cough Cough...the Phoenix show was 3 times as big and well worth the trip for us. The Vegas show was nice, a little more driving using Laughlin Nevada as a jumping off point (staying in Laughlin with comped rooms) Nothing on the schedule for a Vegas show in 2026.
Here is a partial copy of a report from Money Metals in regards to silver’s outlook for 2026. ————— The silver market is projected to run its sixth straight structural supply deficit in 2026 as investment demand remains high. Based on preliminary data compiled by the Silver Institute, silver demand outstripped supply by about 95 million ounces last year, leading to the fifth straight market deficit. Including the projected 2025 shortfall, the 5-year market deficit will climb above 800 million ounces, an entire year of mining output. The Silver Institute projects a deficit of around 67 million ounces in 2026. This underscores the key dynamic driving the silver market right now – there simply isn’t enough metal. When demand outpaces supply (mining output + recycling), silver consumers must tap into existing above-ground stocks. This drives prices higher as those holding silver aren’t keen to give it up at a lower price. ————— I only copied the first part of the article as I feel it states the problem and backs up what I have said repeatedly on CT. I saw this article a few minutes ago as a pop up on my cell. Let’s review the facts: 1) 2026 is projected to run a shortfall of Silver. 2) 2026 we I’ll be the 5th straight year of A shortage of Silver. 3) The demand for Silver outstripped Supplies by about 95 million ounces. 4) The 5 year shortfall will exceed 800 Million ounces. 5) A shortage of 67 million ounces is Predicted for this year. 6) There is NOT enough supply. 7) Supply is demand and recycling Recycling combined. 8) Above ground resources must be used. 9) People holding silver don’t want to Give it up. 10) This drives prices higher. It all goes back to supply and demand. As soon as the consumers (solar panels, AI, the technology sector, battery powered vehicles, etc,) run out of existing supplies they will be forced to buy silver. People are panicking due to the huge increase in the price of silver and it will take time for the panic to go away but once it does, hand onto your hat. It will rebound higher than it was before the drop.
Slowly stacking a little on the drops 1/10 gold and a few Mercs and Rosies. But below (spot or melt,) one of you told me one time if I didn't know the difference between the two, I shouldn't stack or collect. I didn't know at that time.
ok So if they will be forced to buy then it will then probably be worth more than they can make and sell their product for Right. So they will then look for cheaper alternatives.