Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
Gold prices experienced a minor decline on Monday as the dollar strengthened, amid thin holiday trading. The precious metal’s value decreased by 0.1% to $2,617.58 per ounce, while the dollar index rose 0.6% against its rivals. Despite this short-term dip, analysts remain optimistic about gold’s future, with UBS projecting a target of $2,800 per ounce by mid-2025. The market continues to digest the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut rates by 25 basis points, although expectations of fewer rate cuts in 2025 have tempered gold’s performance in the short term.
Articles
How Margin Hikes Increase Gold and Silver Volatility
Margin hikes can dramatically increase gold and silver volatility — not because fundamentals change, but because leveraged traders are forced to unwind positions. When exchanges like the CME raise margin requirements, cascading liquidations can accelerate corrections and intensify price swings. Understanding how leverage works in futures markets — and how it differs from owning physical metal — is essential for navigating today’s precious metals market.
February 16, 2026
