Silver prices surge; CME raises metal margins; US stocks near record highs; Xiaomi's Lin Bin reduces holdings.

Silver Prices Surge to Record Highs

Silver Market Overview

International spot silver prices have surged, breaking through the $80 per ounce mark and reaching over $83, marking a historic high. This increase continues a significant upward trend as the year comes to a close. Silver has risen for six consecutive trading days, with a notable 10% increase last Friday, the largest single-day gain since 2008. Year-to-date, silver has appreciated over 185%, potentially achieving its best annual performance since 1979.

Factors Driving Silver's Rise

Analysts attribute the recent surge in silver prices to speculative inflows and ongoing supply disruptions following a short squeeze in October at major trading centers.

CME Group Margin Adjustments

The CME Group announced a significant increase in margin requirements for metals, including silver, effective December 29. This move reflects concerns over the current volatility in the precious metals market.

U.S. Stock Market Trends

S&P 500 Nears Historic Highs

The U.S. stock market is approaching historical highs, with the S&P 500 index just 1% away from breaking the 7000-point barrier. This could mark the longest monthly winning streak since 2017-2018, with the index up nearly 18% this year.

Federal Reserve Focus

Investors are closely watching the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes for indications of potential interest rate cuts. The market is also awaiting news on Trump's nomination for a new Fed chair to replace Powell.

Trade Tensions and Economic Outlook

Bank of America CEO's Predictions

Bank of America CEO Moynihan predicts a de-escalation of trade tensions under the Trump administration next year, with average tariffs expected to stabilize around 15%.

Midterm Election Insights

Trump has indicated that the core issue for the 2026 midterm elections will be "prices," focusing on living costs and economic success.

Market Performance Summary

U.S. Stock Indices

Last Friday, U.S. stock indices experienced slight declines, ending a five-day winning streak. The Dow Jones fell 0.04%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.03%, and the Nasdaq decreased by 0.09%.

Notable Stock Movements

• Nvidia rose 1.02%, reaching its highest level since November.
• Apple and Google saw minor declines, while Tesla dropped 2.1%.
• Chinese stocks like Xpeng and Li Auto saw significant gains.

Corporate Developments

Nvidia's Power Revolution

Nvidia is leading a shift in global data centers towards an 800-volt DC power architecture, preparing for future high-density computing environments.

Nike's Market Position

Despite facing a prolonged bear market, Nike's CEO has made significant personal investments, and UBS has identified several positive signals for the brand.

U.S. Graphite Mining Resurgence

The U.S. is re-evaluating its graphite mining capabilities due to the rapid expansion of the global battery industry, with plans for commercial production by 2028.

Conclusion

The financial landscape is marked by significant movements in silver prices, stock market trends, and corporate strategies, reflecting broader economic conditions and investor sentiment as the year concludes.