Silver Drops to $19.81 an Ounce with US Interest Rates in Question

Today, silver lost 0.4 percent, or $0.08, to trade at $19.81 per ounce, according to Reuters.

The decline came as precious metals faltered on speculation that positive US jobs data would lead to an earlier interest rate increase in the country; however, that data ended up being “relatively disappointing,” helping to abate concerns.

Low interest rates have been a significant factor in increasing the appeal of precious metals in recent years, Reuters notes, meaning that any change could disrupt the market significantly. Currently, the situation is steady, but investors are waiting to see how the minutes from the US Federal Reserve’s March meeting, set for release on Wednesday, will impact the market.