economy

January 16, 2026

Silver prices are up more than 200% over the past year—what $1,000 invested in an ETF a year ago is worth now

Silver’s roughly 210% rise over the past year has had a dramatic impact on returns for investors in silver ETFs.

Silver prices are up more than 200% over the past year—what $1,000 invested in an ETF a year ago is worth now

TL;DR

  • Silver prices reached a record high of $93 per ounce, trading around $90 on Friday.
  • The rally is attributed to strong industrial demand and rising investor interest due to trade policy, inflation, and interest rate uncertainties.
  • Since January 2025, silver's spot price increased by approximately 210%, from $30 to $93 per ounce.
  • Over half of global silver demand comes from manufacturing, including electronics, solar panels, and electrification.
  • The U.S. Mint may temporarily halt sales of some silver coin products due to sharp price increases.
  • Industrial demand for silver has hit record levels, fueled by investments in renewable energy, EVs, and power grids.
  • Silver's high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance make it hard to substitute in key technologies.
  • Investors access silver through physical bullion, coins, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like the iShares Silver Trust (SLV).
  • SLV shares have risen about 200% in the past year, trading around $84 per share.
  • A $1,000 investment in SLV one year ago would now be worth $3,083 (208% increase).
  • A $1,000 investment in SLV five years ago would now be worth $3,537 (254% increase).
  • A $1,000 investment in SLV since April 2006 would now be worth $6,071 (507% increase).
  • Silver's sharp price swings and lack of income differentiate it from owning company shares.
  • Financial professionals recommend diversification across assets rather than concentrating on single-asset ETFs like silver.

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