The gold-silver ratio fell below 50 for the first time in 14 years.

Following the surge in silver prices in the fourth quarter of last year that continued into the new year, the gold-silver ratio, closely watched by precious metals traders, briefly fell below 50 this week for the first time in 14 years. As Goldman Sachs precious metals trader Augustin Magnien pointed out, silver is currently at the heart of trade tensions. Previously, the United States added silver to its list of critical minerals, while China implemented stricter export controls on silver. These geopolitical developments spurred a surge in investor interest, pushing silver prices to record levels, driven by expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut and a trend towards portfolio diversification. (Cailian Press)