Silver prices have fallen steeply in volatile trading on Monday, reversing recent gains. This abrupt change underscores the complex economic factors affecting precious metals markets.
At 12:01 GMT, XAG/USD is trading $26.74, down $1.83 or -6.40%.
Investors are selling positions alongside a broader equities decline, with increasing concerns about a U.S. recession pushing traders to cash. Friday’s weak U.S. jobs data continues to impact market sentiment, contributing to the overall market instability.
Silver is down despite typically positive signals such as falling Treasury yields and a weaker U.S. Dollar. This unexpected behavior highlights the current market’s instability, with traders cutting profitable positions to meet margin calls in the stock market. The precious metal’s usual safe-haven appeal appears temporarily overshadowed by the need for liquidity in other markets.
XAG/USD is nearing the important 200-day moving average at $26.02, a level that often strongly influences price direction. Traders are closely watching this indicator for potential support, as it could play a crucial role in determining the near-term direction of silver prices.
The silver sell-off is part of a wider market reaction affecting various asset classes. Japanese stocks fell to levels not seen since the 1987 Black Monday crash, while European stocks have also declined sharply. U.S. Treasury yields have reached their lowest points in over a year, reflecting the flight to safety and growing recession concerns.
Friday’s U.S. jobs report revealed the unemployment rate rising to 4.3%, intensifying recession worries. This data, combined with poor tech earnings and concerns about China’s economy, is driving a global sell-off in stocks, oil, and high-yield currencies. The weak labor market data has also fueled expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, with some traders now pricing in a 50 basis point cut at the September meeting.
The short-term outlook for silver has turned bearish due to current market conditions. While silver’s status as a safe-haven asset remains intact, it’s currently overshadowed by demand for liquidity in other markets.
Traders should prepare for continued price swings and closely monitor global economic indicators and central bank announcements for potential trend changes. The ability of silver to find support at key technical levels will be crucial in determining whether the current downward pressure persists or if a rebound is possible in the near term.
Silver (XAG/USD) is sharply lower on Monday and the selling pressure could get worse with the market trading on the weak side of a key 50% level at $27.23. This level is resistance now, but could act like a pivot if there is an intraday short-covering rally.
Meanwhile, if the downside momentum continues then look for a test of the 200-day moving average at $26.02. Watch for a technical bounce on the first test, but be prepared for renewed selling pressure should sellers take out this level with conviction.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.