America News Agency

Silver surged 148% last year, breaking through several key levels, supported by its designation as a critical U.S. mineral, tight supply conditions, low inventories, and strengthening industrial and investment demand.

The rally was also underpinned by the rollout of broad U.S. trade tariffs and expectations that U.S. monetary policy will be eased.

Minutes from the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) December meeting, released earlier this week, showed growing openness to interest rate cuts if inflation continues to decline, though policymakers remain divided on timing and scale.

Geopolitical developments also continued to boost safe-haven appeal, as the United States tightened restrictions on Venezuela’s oil exports and renewed attacks between Russia and Ukraine during the New Year period damaged Black Sea ports and key energy infrastructure.