Market Overview
Silver prices (XAG/USD) continued to decline, trading around $28.92 and hitting an intra-day low of $28.91. This downward trend is attributed to concerns over industrial demand due to China’s economic slowdown. China’s Q2 GDP was weaker than expected, and retail sales grew at the slowest rate since 2022. As a major consumer of industrial metals, China’s economic slowdown is likely to keep pressuring silver prices.
Additionally, positive market sentiment, driven by unexpected interest rate cuts by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), has further pressured safe-haven silver. Investors anticipate the Federal Reserve will begin reducing borrowing costs in September, with expectations for two more rate cuts by the end of the year. This optimism has boosted market sentiment and reduced demand for safe-haven assets like silver.
China’s Economic Slowdown and PBoC Rate Cuts Pressure Silver Prices
Concerns about China’s economic slowdown are significantly impacting silver prices. China’s GDP growth for Q2 was 4.7%, below the 5.1% forecast and down from the previous quarter’s 5.3%. Retail sales also grew at their slowest pace since 2022. As a major consumer of industrial metals, China’s weaker economic performance could further depress silver prices. The slowdown, worsened by a prolonged property downturn and job insecurity, has led to expectations of additional economic stimulus from Beijing.
Global market sentiment improved following unexpected rate cuts by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC). The PBoC reduced the one-year loan prime rate, the five-year loan prime rate, and the seven-day reverse repo rate by 10 basis points each, to 3.35%, 3.85%, and 1.70%, respectively.
This easing boosted global risk sentiment, supporting broader market confidence. However, this positive sentiment also created a headwind for silver, traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset. Therefore, China’s economic slowdown and the PBoC’s interest rate cuts put downward pressure on silver prices.
Impact of US Dollar Weakness and Upcoming Data on Silver Prices
The US dollar has struggled to maintain its recent upward momentum, edging lower amid dovish Federal Reserve expectations. Market participants anticipate the Fed will start reducing borrowing costs in September, possibly with two more rate cuts by the year’s end. This outlook has led to a decline in US Treasury bond yields, putting pressure on the dollar and supporting silver prices.
Traders will closely watch Tuesday’s US economic data, including Existing Home Sales and the Richmond Manufacturing Index, for short-term trading insights. The main focus will be Thursday’s Advance US Q2 GDP report and Friday’s US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index. Additionally, this week’s flash PMIs are expected to provide further clarity on global economic trends.
Short-Term Forecast
Silver’s pivot point is at $29.46, which is a critical level for traders. If the price remains above $29.46, a bullish bias may be observed, and vice versa.
