Silver prices are edging higher on Friday, but the metal remains constrained by resistance at the $31.29 pivot level. This critical marker is steering short-term sentiment and price action. A decisive move above $31.29 could open the door to further gains, with traders eyeing key technical levels ahead.
Silver is facing resistance near the 50-day moving average at $31.80, which serves as the next target should the metal sustain momentum above $31.29. Beyond this level, the short-term retracement zone at $32.28 to $32.89 will likely provide additional hurdles. On the downside, support is located at $30.61 and $29.68, levels traders are monitoring closely to gauge risk sentiment and positioning.
Gold prices surged this week, testing resistance near $2693.40 as geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine fueled robust safe-haven demand. This bullish sentiment has bolstered silver, traditionally seen as a sister metal to gold. Analysts point to gold’s rally despite a strong U.S. dollar—a rare occurrence that signals heightened investor caution.
Geopolitical factors and economic uncertainty have strengthened silver’s appeal as a dual-use asset: a safe haven and an industrial metal. With Bitcoin nearing $100,000 and heightened demand for alternative investments, silver benefits from renewed interest across diverse asset classes.
Federal Reserve rate expectations remain a significant driver for silver. A potential 25-basis-point rate cut in December, as implied by the CME FedWatch tool, could provide support for precious metals. However, dovish comments from Fed officials like Austan Goolsbee have introduced uncertainty, as any delay in rate cuts may limit silver’s upside.
Simultaneously, mixed U.S. economic data, including resilient labor markets and weak manufacturing figures, underscores the complex environment. A soaring U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has tempered some of silver’s potential gains, as dollar strength traditionally pressures metals priced in the currency.
Silver’s short-term outlook hinges on its ability to break above the $31.29 pivot. A sustained move higher would target $31.80 and potentially $32.28, aligning with broader strength in gold and safe-haven demand. However, failure to breach resistance could push prices back toward key support levels at $30.61 and $29.68. Traders should remain focused on geopolitical developments and Federal Reserve policy signals to assess silver’s next move.
James is a Florida-based technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader with 35+ years of experience. He is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis as it applies to futures, Forex, and stocks.