2015 is almost at a close, and it’s definitely been a tough year for silver-focused investors. The metal has roles to play in both the precious and industrial sectors, and unfortunately has been hit by headwinds from both sides. 
Nevertheless, market participants continued to seek out silver investment news throughout the year. Here, the Investing News Network (INN) has gathered the most popular silver investment news stories of 2015 — unsurprisingly, the list shows that silver bugs have been heavily focused on what the silver price may do next, and on what companies may still be profitable in today’s difficult price environment.

1. When Will Silver Go Up?

As mentioned, silver undeniably hasn’t fared well in 2015. At the time this article was written, it was down just under 9 percent year-to-date, and since then it’s fallen further — as of mid-December it was down about 14.75 percent since the start of the year.
Given those circumstances, many investors are justifiably asking themselves, “when will silver go up?” While even seasoned analysts can’t predict the future, it’s definitely possible to round up their opinions. Read more here about the factors that impact the silver price.

2. Silver Predictions 2016: Watch China and the Gold Price

INN’s 2016 silver outlook was only published a few weeks ago, but it’s already one of the top silver investment news articles of the year. Check out the piece for insight on the silver market next year from Erica Rannestad, senior analyst at Thomson Reuters GFMS. In particular, she believes investors should watch China and the gold price for silver market cues next year.

3. Silver Forecast: Deficit of 57.7 Million Ounces in 2015

In a report released midway through the year, The Silver Institute brought some light to the silver market by predicting a deficit of 57.7 million ounces in 2015. However, that forecast came with a caveat: if there is a deficit, it may not bring a price increase.
To see why, one need only consider the fact that the silver market was in deficit in both 2013 (by 111.9 million ounces) and 2014 (by 4.9 million ounces). The average annual silver price was $23.79 per ounce in the former, and $19.08 in the latter. Meanwhile, the market was in surplus in 2012 (by 41.9 million ounces), but hit its second-highest average annual price ever.
Read the article for silver guru David Morgan’s explanation of that disconnect. The situation is also discussed by Rannestad in INN’s 2016 silver outlook.

4. Silver’s Duality: A Blessing or a Curse?

Silver is well known for its duality. As noted, it’s both a precious and industrial metal, and as a result can take cues from both sectors. In this article, INN lays out the benefits and problems that can come from silver’s unusual position. Click here to read the piece.

5. 6 Silver Stocks That Pay Dividends

As the above information shows, silver investors certainly haven’t had an easy time in 2015. That’s why some are turning to silver stocks that pay dividends. To help investors hone in on those stocks, INN put together an article that outlines six silver stocks that pay dividends. Take a look at the list here.
 
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.