Precious metals markets saw record inflows in 2025, with investors reacting to US economic volatility, tariffs, and "Sell America" sentiment.

Silver can play a critical role in a diversified portfolio. Here's how much it costs per ounce right now.

By Polina Devitt LONDON, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Silver prices vaulted above $100 an ounce on Friday, extending a remarkable 2025 surge into the new year as retail investor and momentum-driven buying added to a prolonged spell of tightness in physical markets for the precious and industrial metal.

To grasp the rally, one must consider a potent mix of operational successes, market influences, strategic acquisitions, and investor sentiment.

Silver's industrial demand and supply deficit could drive outperformance, but a few factors may shift the balance.

Silver's surge crushed gold's gains in 2025, returning 145% compared to gold's 64% rise. In the first weeks of 2026, it's continued this momentum, returning as much as 25% in two weeks while gold rose 6%. Yet there are three reasons to expect silver to continue outpacing gold for the rest of 2026 and perhaps beyond.

ETFs remain effective instruments when price discovery is orderly. When it is not, outcomes become uneven — even in rising markets. So, participating in a bull market is not only about choosing the right asset.

With silver prices surging, it helps to know how to quickly invest online right now. Here are three places to start.

Both metals have already hit new all-time highs this year.

Comments from President Trump stating that a U.S. “armada” is heading toward Iran has investors shifting assets into silver and gold as well as base metals like copper.