Silver has lost more than half its value since January, and traders are increasingly preparing for further losses.
The precious metal closed Friday at $53.83, down nearly 56% from its record high of $121.74. That marks its weakest finish of 2026, as gold also slipped below $4,000.
Silver’s collapse began when January’s speculative rally reversed amid higher futures margin requirements and forced selling. The latest pressure comes from surging oil prices, which threaten more inflation and higher US interest rates.
That makes silver, which pays no interest, less attractive. Concerns about industrial demand add further pressure.
Why Are Traders Betting Against Silver?
Silver’s three-month put-call skew has climbed 10 points in four weeks to minus 3, its highest reading since early July, according to The Kobeissi Letter.
It means more traders are buying protection against silver falling further. This suggests investors are increasingly worried about another price crash.
Hedge funds and commodity trading advisers have also sold $2.2 billion in silver futures in the three weeks to October 13. These are contracts traders use to bet on future prices.
The selling shows that large investors are reducing their exposure to silver as confidence in a recovery weakens.
How Much Further Could Silver Price Fall?
Technical analyst Kev_Capital_TA identifies $52–$55 as critical support, with a potential rebound toward $63–$72.
“If that support holds, all those crowded shorts become fuel for a bounce,” he wrote.
Losing $52 could expose $39–$45. Michaël van de Poppe sees $40–$45 as a possible trading entry and $22–$26 longer term.
Peter Schiff, meanwhile, considers silver attractive below $54.
India’s Silver Demand Raises Another Concern
India has authorized roughly 6,500 metric tons of silver imports ahead of its festive season. However, buyers remain hesitant after recent losses, Reuters reported.
Local premiums have fallen from $2.50 to just 45 cents an ounce, suggesting supply shortages are easing even as demand remains weak.
With the Federal Reserve meeting on October 27–28, silver’s next direction could depend on whether $52 holds and whether physical buyers return.
