The price of silver on Tuesday was November 11, 2025

Past performance of silver 

Silver doesn't offer a fast track to riches. For lengthy durations, it falls considerably behind conventional stocks. From 1921 onward, silver's worth has lagged behind the S&P 500 by approximately 96%. In essence, if you'd divided your investment equally between silver and stocks at that time, the silver part would now be worth approximately 96% less than your stock holdings. 

Silver is considered a stable asset that helps maintain purchasing power. Frequently referred to as a “store of value,”, it typically performs well during periods of inflation, serving as a safeguard for your investments when inflation increases. 

Silver tends to be more volatile than gold. Gold primarily functions as a safe haven for value, while silver also has extensive industrial applications. This industrial demand means that price fluctuations can affect silver's cost more significantly.

What is the meaning of “spot silver”? 

In essence, the “spot silver” price indicates the immediate cost to acquire or divest silver. However, in real-world scenarios, you'll typically incur costs exceeding the spot price due to markups, delivery, insurance, and other associated fees. 

The spot price is monitored by investors as a gauge of current demand and market direction. An increase in the spot rate signifies greater demand.

What does “price spread” signify in the context of silver trading? 

The “price spread” signifies the difference between the buying and selling rates for silver. Important terminology encompasses: 

• Ask price. This refers to what you pay to acquire silver 
• Bid price. This describes the proceeds from selling silver. 

The bid price is as anticipated, falling short of the ask price. A tight spread suggests strong interest in silver. 

Guidance on investing in silver 

When considering investments in silver, you have several choices, generally falling into two main categories: direct ownership of the metal or investing in silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 

Exchange-traded funds offer a more accessible way to invest in silver, allowing you to buy into a fund that owns the metal, thereby eliminating the personal responsibility for its safekeeping and insuring it. 

Common silver investments include: 

• Silver bullion. This includes bars or rounds sold by weight and purity. 
• Silver coins. Think minted currency like American Silver Eagles or Silver Maple Leafs, often priced with a premium for rarity and government guarantee. 
• Silver jewelry. Specifically, crafted pieces that are worth more than equivalent-purity bullion. 
• Silver mining stocks. This type of investment refers to shares in companies that extract silver, giving you indirect exposure. 

Silver bullion and coins traded on exchanges are required to adhere to the “three nines fine” standard, signifying 99.9% purity. Items not meeting this criterion are typically categorized as collectible or industrial grade. For further insights into optimal precious metal investment strategies, consult our article on best silver IRA companies.

Silver investment timing? 

In 2025, silver’s price has climbed nearly 25% year-to-date, reaching levels unseen in the past decade. 

Whether it’s the right time to buy depends on your outlook. If inflation concerns weigh on you, precious metals can act as hedge. Likewise, anticipated surges in industrial demand—from renewable energy to electronics—could potentially fuel further gains. 

Precious metals prices 8:15 AM ET

Gold, platinum, and palladium are still very popular with investors. Platinum and palladium often mirror silver’s volatility; their smaller markets magnify price swings. Gold, by contrast, tends to be the least volatile of the four.

Key insight 

With ongoing economic uncertainty, precious metals are worth considering. Silver’s 2025 performance has outpaced gold’s, and many analysts predict the likelihood of further upside—potentially driving silver to record highs. 

Given its affordability relative to gold, silver is an accessible entry point into the world of precious metal investing. Whether you choose physical coins and bars, ETFs, or mining stocks, you can set yourself up to benefit from the next silver rally.

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