Silver Prices Today

As of Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the price of silver futures has opened at $63.43 per ounce, marking a 1% decrease from Tuesday’s closing price. Despite the initial dip, the silver price has moved higher, reaching $65 as of 8:55 a.m. ET.

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The recent fluctuations in the silver market can be attributed to a combination of factors, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East and changing interest-rate expectations. While the war in Iran continues, the interest-rate outlook has improved, leading to a decrease in rate-hike expectations. This shift has positively impacted the silver market, causing its price to rise.

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However, the silver price remains down about 9% for the year, following a significant spike in late January and a subsequent dip into negative territory in March. The metal’s industrial applications contribute to its price volatility, making it far more susceptible to market fluctuations than gold. The current gold-to-silver ratio of 68 is within the long-term average range of 50 and 80.

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Current Silver Price Trends

The opening price of silver futures on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is 1% lower compared to Tuesday’s closing price. To better understand the current market trends, let’s take a look at the price changes over the past week, month, and year:

• One week ago: -4.8%
• One month ago: +14.2%
• One year ago: +70%

For context, silver’s year-over-year growth was 173.3% on May 14. This dramatic increase highlights the metal’s potential for significant price fluctuations.

Silver vs. Gold: Which Metal Has Delivered Higher Returns?

Over the past 50 years, gold has outperformed silver, delivering higher long-term returns. Since the 1970s, both silver and gold prices have dramatically increased, but their roles in the economy and their long-term performance are very different. Governments and investors view gold as a store of value, and central banks hold large gold reserves to protect their economies against global inflation or geopolitical crises.

Silver, on the other hand, is much more abundant in supply than gold but has more uses. Silver plays a significant role in manufacturing and industrial production, with companies using it to make solar panels, electronics, and medical devices. The industrial demand can affect silver’s prices, causing more drastic changes.

Price of Silver Chart

The price-of-silver chart below shows the precious metal’s value journey so far this year. Whether you’re tracking the price of silver since last month or last year, this chart provides a comprehensive overview of the metal’s performance.

Why is Silver Outperforming Gold?

The recent surge in silver prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the metal’s industrial applications and changing interest-rate expectations. As the interest-rate outlook has improved, the demand for silver has increased, leading to a rise in its price.

However, the silver price remains volatile, and its long-term performance is uncertain. Investors should carefully consider the metal’s potential risks and rewards before making any investment decisions.