Silver is fast approaching a historic milestone, with HSBC predicting the metal could soon test—and possibly surpass—its 2011 record high of nearly $50 an ounce. The forecast comes as the ongoing rally in gold spills over into the broader precious metals market, driving renewed investor interest in silver’s safe-haven appeal.
In its latest note, HSBC raised its 2025 average silver price forecast to $38.05/oz and its 2026 forecast to $44.50/oz, up from $35.14/oz and $33.96/oz, respectively. The bank expects silver to end 2025 at $49.00/oz and finish 2026 slightly lower at $41.50/oz, though it anticipates strong gains through the first half of next year.
“Silver is poised to break through the 2011 high,” HSBC analysts wrote on October 7, projecting a $45–$53 range for 2025 and a $40–$55 range for 2026.
Gold’s Record Rally Fuels Silver Surge
Much of silver’s momentum stems from the unprecedented surge in gold, which crossed $4,000/oz for the first time ever this week. Analysts say silver’s performance often lags gold’s but tends to catch up swiftly as investor sentiment broadens across precious metals.
HSBC attributed the silver uptrend to several converging factors:
- Spillover buying from investors chasing gold’s record-breaking run.
- Safe-haven demand amid political and economic instability.
- Tight supply in London’s physical silver markets.
- Tariff fears pushing more bullion into U.S. markets earlier this year.
Spot silver traded at $48.83/oz on Wednesday, marking a 65% year-to-date surge—outpacing most commodities. For comparison, gold has gained about 55% so far in 2025.
Supply Tightness Adds Upward Pressure
HSBC noted that physical silver supply remains muted, with refiners and traders reporting limited availability despite rising prices. This scarcity, combined with robust investment flows into silver-backed ETFs, continues to underpin the market.
Analysts also highlighted how silver’s industrial applications—in sectors such as solar energy, electronics, and medical technology—are providing an additional layer of structural support.
If current conditions persist, silver could soon breach its 2011 record and stabilize at levels unseen in over a decade. With gold soaring and investors seeking refuge from geopolitical uncertainty, silver’s appeal as both a safe haven and industrial asset looks stronger than ever.
