Fundamentals
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released in the US on September 13th, 2023, and inflation is on the rise. Year-over-year (y/y) inflation, which had been decreasing month after month for a while and had almost reached 3% in July, has spiked up to 3.2% in August and 3.7% in September. This 3.7% figure is even higher than the forecasted value of 3.6%.
As a result, there is a higher probability that the Federal Reserve (FED) might increase the interest rate even further in the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for September 20th, 2023. I anticipate a rate hike of either 25 or 50 basis points, which would bring the Federal Funds Rate to either 5.75% or 6%, respectively.
This potential rate hike might lead to a crash in the overall stock market, and commodities, especially gold and silver, can be used as a hedge to protect the portfolio if this scenario materializes.
Technicals
From a technical standpoint, both gold and silver are currently at buying levels. However, when considering the potential upward move from a percentage point of view, silver appears to be a better alternative to gold.
Conclusion
Consequently, I have taken a position in a silver ETF, allocating 5% of my total capital. This is double the maximum I typically allocate for a single security. However, I have strong confidence in silver as a long-term investment, and I may consider adding more if its price further declines and reaches the next key buying levels.
I have attached posts regarding my previous trade in SIVR for your reference. Feel free to check them out as well.