Silver hangs on to investor appeal, but outlook dims

Summary: Even though silver’s price swung wildly last month in concert with gold’s dramatic drop, investors still find appeal in the physical bullion. The U.S. Mint for example reports that sales thus far in 2013 are the highest in the 27 years since the Silver Eagle first became available. However, some analysts believe silver’s prospects are not as bright due to weakening demand and a higher supply. While net investment demand rose drastically last year, industrial demand waned. Growth in the solar power sector for example, which stood at 18% last year, will only grow by 9% this year. Read more…