Industrial Panic Buying

Reports from Shanghai to New York indicate a frenzy of retail and industrial buying. With China restricting exports, the global supply chain for silver paste (used in solar panels) faces an immediate bottleneck, forcing manufacturers to pay whatever price is asked.

Retail Frenzy

Retail investors have joined the fray, viewing silver as the 'affordable' alternative to $5,000 gold. Premiums on silver coins and bars have widened to record levels, with many dealers reporting total stockouts over the weekend.