The U.S. dollar is still strong and inflation is low.
This combined with a glut of metals on the market as commodities traders responded to margin calls has suppressed the listed market price of precious metals.
There is little of silver or gold available from normal suppliers due to the fact that when prices are suppressed they operate in "buy" mode rather than "sell".
Make no mistake. This is an opportunity if you can find a source to buy from.
