From Stocks and Shares to Coins and Bars: Exploring New Investment Opportunities for Business Growth in Oman
By Anmol Choubey
Silver prices surged past $80 an ounce on Monday for the first time, driven by robust industrial and investment demand, ongoing supply shortages, its recent classification as a U.S. critical mineral, and a wave of momentum-driven buying. The rally intensified after China announced plans to restrict silver exports in 2026.
However, by 08:30 GMT, silver prices had declined by 4.2%, retreating from a record high of $83.62 earlier in the session, as investors took profits and easing geopolitical tensions reduced safe-haven demand. Over the past year, spot silver has risen more than 160%, significantly outperforming gold, which increased by over 70%.
How Silver Trades
Over the Counter (OTC):
The largest marketplace for physical silver and gold is London, where banks and brokers execute buy and sell orders for clients worldwide through bilateral OTC trading. Accessing this market requires a relationship with one of these financial institutions. The market is supported by bullion bars stored in the vaults of major banks such as JPMorgan and HSBC. By the end of November 2025, London vaults held 27,187 tonnes of silver.
Futures:
Silver is also traded on futures exchanges, with the Shanghai Futures Exchange in China and the CME Group’s COMEX in New York being the most prominent. Futures contracts obligate the seller to deliver silver to the buyer at a future date, typically traded through brokers. Most futures contracts are not held to delivery but are rolled over to later dates, enabling speculation on silver prices without the need for physical storage. Futures trading requires only a margin—a fraction of the silver’s full value—rather than the entire amount.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):
ETFs, such as the iShares Silver Trust managed by BlackRock, trade on stock exchanges like the NYSE and LSE, allowing investors to buy shares representing silver stored in vaults. Small investors can easily trade ETF shares through apps like Robinhood. Strong demand for an ETF can drive its price above the value of the underlying silver, prompting the addition of more silver into vaults to create new shares and restore price alignment. The iShares Silver Trust holds approximately 529 million ounces of silver, worth around $39 billion at current prices.
Bars and Coins:
Individual investors can also purchase silver bars and coins from retailers worldwide.
Silver Miners:
Investors may buy shares in companies that mine silver. These shares generally correlate with silver prices but are also influenced by company-specific factors such as management quality, debt levels, and operational performance. Shares in silver mining companies can be traded easily on platforms like Robinhood.
— Reuters
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The surge in silver prices, driven by industrial demand, supply constraints, and China’s export restrictions, presents a unique opportunity for Omani investors and businesses to explore the silver market through futures, ETFs, or mining-related ventures. However, the price volatility and geopolitical dynamics pose risks that smart investors should mitigate by leveraging well-informed market strategies and diversification. Oman’s strategic positioning could also pave the way for developing regional silver trade facilitation and investment services.
