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Silver Plunges Below $80 as Week of Volatile Trading Concludes

Silver dropped sharply below $80 per ounce Friday, capping a week marked by dramatic price swings that underscored the precious metals market's turbulent 2026 performance. The decline followed earlier gains driven by hopes of a U.S.-Iran diplomatic accord, which had surged both gold and silver by easing crude oil prices and inflation concerns. India's bullion market, the world's second largest, continues to face headwinds from a five-week import halt affecting banks' ability to bring in gold and silver supplies. The prolonged disruption is driving domestic prices higher and threatens potential shortages in the key demand center. Silver remains among the year's most volatile traded commodities, testing market participants' risk management strategies.