Silver joins US Critical Minerals List, boosting iShares Silver Trust ETF as a key industrial and investment play.

Silver was added to the US Critical Minerals List, highlighting its importance alongside lithium and cobalt for national security and energy transition. The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) ETF, which holds physical silver bullion, is the easiest way for investors to gain exposure without dealing with futures or premiums. While SLV surged 53% over the past year, it has pulled back 7% year-to-date, reflecting that the policy impact was quickly priced in and current price moves depend on industrial demand. Silver's dual role as an industrial metal and investment hedge creates price volatility, so SLV is best suited as a small satellite holding (2-5% of a portfolio) rather than a core position. Future gains depend on growth in solar and electric vehicle demand, but SLV carries tax and no-income drawbacks compared to miners or other silver funds.

The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) currently trades at USD 59.72 on Pluang as of Sep 23, 2026 00:21 WIB, well below its 52-week high of USD 105.57 but above the 52-week low of USD 39.82. Despite a modest 0.15% gain in the last day, SLV's price remains closer to the lower end of its annual range, reflecting ongoing volatility in silver's dual role as an industrial metal and investment asset. On Pluang, typical holders keep SLV for about 85 days, with a slightly higher sell activity at 59% compared to 41% buying interest, indicating cautious positioning among investors.