AN OUNCE OF SILVER IS NOW WORTH MORE THAN A BARREL OF OIL Silver has surged to record highs in 2025, more than doubling in price and reaching about $76.50 an ounce—above U.S. crude oil futures near $56.70 a barrel. This rare imbalance reflects strong investor demand for silver as a store of value and hedge against currency risk, alongside heavy industrial use in solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronics. Meanwhile, excess oil supply has depressed energy prices. Limited new silver production has further tightened the market, supporting higher prices.(*Walter Bloomberg)