Silver (XAG/USD) hovered around $28.79 during Friday’s Asian trading session, just below its weekly high. Despite favorable market conditions, including a weakening US dollar and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, silver’s price movement remained subdued.
Traders are taking a cautious approach ahead of the critical US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which could provide further direction for silver prices.
India’s review of its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE is also weighing on silver. The review focuses on tariff concessions and import regulations, creating uncertainty around silver import volumes. Despite broader positive market sentiment, silver has struggled to break out of its current trading range.
India’s silver imports from the UAE surged 5,853% year-over-year, totaling $1.74 billion in FY24, compared to just $29 million the previous year. The massive increase is linked to tariff concessions under CEPA, a trade deal between India and the UAE implemented in May 2022.
Although the deal was initially seen as a step toward free trade, India’s recent review questions the long-term benefits, particularly regarding the surge in precious metal imports.
The uncertainty surrounding the trade agreement and its potential revisions could influence future silver imports, thereby impacting global silver prices. However, the true effect will depend on how India renegotiates terms with the UAE.
In corporate news, First Majestic Silver has announced a merger with Gatos Silver, valuing the latter at $13.49 per share. The merger will consolidate three major silver mining districts, increasing First Majestic’s silver-equivalent production to 30-32 million ounces annually, including 15-16 million ounces of silver.
With projected all-in sustaining costs between $18.00 and $20.00 per ounce, the merger is expected to strengthen First Majestic’s global standing. However, increased supply could put downward pressure on silver prices, contingent on demand trends and production costs.
Silver is likely to stay range-bound between $28.35 and $28.88. A break above $28.88 could trigger bullish momentum, while dropping below $28.35 signals further downside risks.
Silver (XAG/USD) is trading at $28.79, down 0.08%, with a key pivot point at $28.88. Currently, silver is facing resistance near the $29.34 mark, while immediate support lies at $28.35.
The 50-day EMA stands at $28.76, and the 200-day EMA is just above $28.87, indicating a tight trading range. A break above $28.88 could signal a bullish shift, pushing prices toward $29.66 and $30.03.
However, if silver dips below $28.35, further downside toward $28.08 and $27.71 is likely. Traders should watch for a decisive move above $28.88 to confirm a potential upward trend reversal.
Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.