The Silver Institute reported the global market recorded its fifth consecutive annual deficit in 2025.
Annual demand stands at approximately 1.2 billion ounces while mine production and recycling supply only about 1 billion ounces.
Why It Matters: Crypto Parallels
Analyst Sunil Reddy stated that $100 silver is now firmly on the table for January.
However, Wall Street Mav noted that persistent supply shortages could drive prices higher until demand destruction occurs, potentially around $135 when most solar manufacturers would lose money.
Cryptocurrency analyst Merlijn The Trader observed that silver completed a multi-year cup-and-handle formation before its surge. The analyst remarked that Bitcoin is quietly building the same structure on weekly charts, suggesting a potential sharp upside breakout once the pattern completes.
Crypto Rover added that gold and silver surged after breaking out of monthly accumulation zones. Bitcoin has yet to confirm a similar breakout but could trigger a powerful rally once it does, according to the analyst.
Julian Figueroa noted that silver's move from a $2 trillion asset to $4 trillion in 74 days challenges the thesis of diminishing returns for Bitcoin at its current $1.9 trillion market cap. Market participants are monitoring for potential capital rotation from precious metals into Bitcoin.

Alexey Bondarev is the Head of Content at Yellow.com, having reported on crypto for the last 10 years. He specializes in in-depth Research and Learn pieces, with a focus on analytical reporting, industry context, and the bigger forces shaping crypto, from the AI era and security technologies to fintech innovation. He believes that everything digital will imminently overcome everything analogue and is working hard to make that come true.