Spot silver drops nearly 5% to $55.17/oz

silver: Silver is a precious and industrial metal traded in spot and futures markets, with prices influenced by interest-rate expectations, currency movements, investor demand, and industrial use. The reported decline is consistent with recent pressure on silver after hotter inflation increased expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policy, while higher yields and a stronger dollar reduced demand for non-yielding metals. Volatility: Silver has experienced a sharper correction than gold during the recent precious-metals selloff, reflecting its sensitivity to both monetary-policy expectations and industrial-demand sentiment. Market drivers: Recent silver weakness has been linked to renewed concerns about a U.S. interest-rate hike following hotter inflation data, alongside higher oil prices, Treasury yields, and the dollar. Technical context: Silver recently fell below the $60-per-ounce area and approached support near $55, leaving its short-term technical outlook weaker.