Silver futures for September expiration opened at $59.71 per ounce on Monday, July 13, 2026, representing a 0.8% decline from Friday’s closing price of $60.17. Prices continued to fall during early trading, reaching $58.60 by 8:33 a.m. ET as geopolitical tensions intensified between the United States and Iran.
The downward trend in silver prices reflects heightened uncertainty following recent military exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces. While U.S. officials maintain the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible, Iran has indicated effective closure of the strategic waterway, raising concerns about energy supply disruptions.
Rising oil and natural gas prices have emerged as secondary pressures on consumer costs, compounding challenges for the Federal Reserve in its efforts to stabilize inflation. Maintaining current interest rate levels or further increases could further suppress silver’s appeal as an investment asset.
Current price of silver
Compared to previous periods, the September silver futures price reflects significant volatility. Over the past week, prices have fallen 4.6%, with monthly declines totaling 10.9%. Year-over-year, silver has appreciated 59.4%, following a record 173.3% surge on May 14, 2026.
How beginners can invest in silver
Investors seeking exposure to silver can pursue physical metal purchases or financial instruments tied to its performance. Each approach offers distinct advantages depending on liquidity needs and risk tolerance.
Physical silver
Direct ownership of physical silver through bullion bars or coins provides immunity from counterparty risk. However, investors must account for storage, security, and insurance costs. Dealers often apply markups above spot prices, requiring sufficient price appreciation to achieve profitability.
Silver ETFs
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tracking silver prices offer liquidity and ease of management through standard brokerage accounts. Some ETFs hold physical silver, while others invest in mining companies. Investors should review expense ratios and tax classifications, particularly for funds treated as collectibles under IRS guidelines.
Price of silver chart
Interactive charts displayed below enable real-time tracking of silver’s performance across multiple time horizons, aiding both short-term traders and long-term investors in assessing market sentiment and volatility patterns.