As of 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time on January 29, 2026, the price of silver per ounce reached $119.47. This marks an increase of $5.38 compared to the previous day and over $88 rise from one year ago.
Recent Silver Price Trends
- Silver price yesterday: $114.09 (+4.71%)
- Silver price one month ago: $79.31 (+50.63%)
- Silver price one year ago: $30.83 (+287.51%)
Over the past year, silver has improved remarkably, outpacing many other assets. Investors noted a significant rally, contributing to its attractiveness as a hedge against inflation.
Understanding Silver as an Investment
Silver serves as a stable form of investment and a hedge against inflation. It often retains purchasing power when inflation rises, making it appealing during economic uncertainty.
What Influences Silver Prices?
The “spot silver” price indicates the current market rate for immediate trades. However, actual buyers often pay premiums that account for shipping and handling. A higher spot price generally signals increased market demand.
Another essential term in silver trading is “price spread,” which is the difference between the asking price (the cost to buy) and the bid price (the selling price). A narrow spread indicates high liquidity, while a wider spread suggests lower trading activity.
Investing in Silver
Investors can gain exposure to silver through various means:
- Bullion: Bars or rounds sold based on weight and purity.
- Coins: Government-minted options like American Silver Eagles, often sold at premiums.
- Jewelry: Artisanal pieces priced above standard bullion.
- Mining stocks: Shares in companies involved in silver extraction.
Physical silver must typically be at least 99.9% pure to qualify for investment platforms. Collectibles or lower-purity items may not meet this threshold.
Should You Invest in Silver Now?
With silver prices showing more than 150% growth over the last year, now may be an opportune time to consider investing. Factors such as rising industrial demand, including uses in electronics and solar technology, could indicate potential for further price increases.
Current Precious Metal Prices
| Precious Metal | Price per Ounce |
|---|---|
| Gold | $5,527.36 |
| Silver | $119.47 |
| Platinum | $2,785.87 |
| Palladium | $2,091.80 |
In conclusion, investing in silver can be a wise decision, especially given its performance and affordability compared to other precious metals. Whether through direct holdings, ETFs, or mining stocks, you can strategically benefit from potential future increases in silver value.
FAQs About Silver Investment
- What percentage should I allocate to silver? Generally, it’s advised to keep silver investments between 10% to 15% of your portfolio.
- Can I hold silver in an IRA? Yes, as long as they meet the purity requirement of 99.9% with a qualified custodian.
The increasing demand and limited supply are among the critical factors influencing silver prices in 2026. Investors should stay informed as the market evolves.
