Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
Daily News Nuggets | Today’s top stories for gold and silver investors
December 17th, 2025
Silver Hits Historic $65 — Up 120% This Year
Silver surged past $65 per ounce on Wednesday for the first time ever. That caps a remarkable 120% gain in 2025 — the white metal’s best performance in decades.
The rally stems from a powerful convergence. Industrial demand from solar, EVs, and AI data centers is soaring. Meanwhile, the market faces its fifth consecutive year of supply deficits. Bank of America raised its 12-month target to $65. BNP Paribas sees potential for $100 by late 2026.
Weaker U.S. jobs data helped too. Rate-cut expectations rekindled, softening the dollar and giving precious metals a boost. Some analysts warn the market is stretched. However, structural drivers suggest any pullback could be brief. Mine production remains stagnant. Physical shortages persist in London. And green-tech demand keeps surging.
Gold on Track for Best Year Since 1979 — $5,000 in Sight
Gold has posted its biggest annual gain since the 1979 oil crisis, with prices doubling over the last two years. Spot gold hit a record $4,381 in October, and analysts at JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Metals Focus now forecast bullion reaching $5,000 per ounce in 2026.
The surge goes beyond Fed easing. U.S. fiscal deficits are ballooning. Geopolitical tensions from Ukraine to trade wars are escalating. And the investor base is broadening—stablecoin issuer Tether and Asian pension funds are buying in.
Central banks continue diversifying away from dollar-denominated assets. This provides a price floor even when investor positioning gets crowded. A few forecasters expect the rally to slow. But the fundamental backdrop remains strong.
Trump Orders “Complete Blockade” of Venezuelan Oil Tankers
President Trump escalated pressure on Venezuela Tuesday, ordering a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country. He also designated the Maduro regime a foreign terrorist organization.
Venezuela called the move “irrational” and a violation of international law. The government vowed to denounce it at the U.N. Oil markets reacted cautiously. Analysts estimate the blockade could disrupt anywhere from 300,000 to 900,000 barrels per day—a wide range reflecting uncertainty. Prices could rise $2-$3 per barrel. But China’s continued purchases may blunt the impact.
The move follows last week’s seizure of the tanker Skipper. The U.S. has assembled its largest-ever armada in South American waters. Trump suggested the campaign aims to reclaim oil, land, and assets he claims Venezuela stole. Those claims remain unclear.
Across the Atlantic, the UK economy showed signs of cooling.
UK Inflation Drops to 3.2% — But Still Well Above Target
UK inflation cooled to 3.2% in November, down from 3.6% in October and below forecasts of 3.5%. The decline was driven by falling food prices — particularly for cakes, biscuits, and breakfast cereals — alongside easing tobacco costs and discounted clothing ahead of Black Friday.
It’s welcome news for households and policymakers. But the 3.2% figure still sits 1.2 percentage points above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Services inflation, a key concern for the central bank, edged down to 4.4% from 4.5%.
The timing matters. The data arrived just before Thursday’s rate decision, strengthening the case for a cut. However, food inflation is expected to rebound to 5.3% in December. That means the BoE will likely strike a cautious tone about future easing.
That inflation data all but sealed the deal for Thursday’s decision.
Bank of England Set to Cut Rates as Inflation Cools
The Bank of England is almost certain to cut interest rates Thursday for the fourth time this year, bringing its benchmark rate to 3.75% from 4%. Markets are pricing in a 98% probability after UK inflation fell more than expected to 3.2% in November — the lowest since March.
Falling food prices, softer services inflation, and a weakening labor market have given policymakers room to ease despite inflation remaining above the 2% target. Economists expect a tight 5-4 vote, with Governor Andrew Bailey providing the deciding swing.
While rate cuts should provide relief for mortgage holders and the economy, some analysts caution the easing cycle may be nearing its end, with neutral rate estimates just one or two cuts away.
