Silver price (XAG/USD) faces selling pressure near $76.00 during the European trading session on Friday. The white metal trades lower due to uncertainty over whether the United States (US) and Iran will reach a deal.
Comments from Tehran, as reported by the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), state that the final draft of the peace proposal with the US has been reached; however, Iran’s hard stance on preserving uranium stockpiles and a prolonged toll system over the Strait of Hormuz keep the hopes of the deal announcement under pressure.
The Silver price has underperformed in the past few months, as oil prices remain elevated due to the closure of the Hormuz. Higher oil prices have prompted US inflationary pressures, a scenario that has forced traders to price out the possibility of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed) this year.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, the odds of the Fed holding benchmark lending rates at their current levels or delivering at least one interest rate hike are 50.8% and 48.1%, respectively.
Theoretically, squeezed dovish Fed bets diminish the appeal of non-yielding assets, such as Silver.
Silver technical analysis
XAG/USD trades lower at around $75.90 at the press time. The white metal reflects a bearish near-term bias as price holds below the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $77.79 and struggles to return above the upward-sloping trendline, which is plotted from the March 23 low of $61.01.
The Relative Strength Index (14) around 47 leans slightly negative but not yet oversold, hinting at persistent but moderate downside pressure.
On the topside, initial resistance is located at the 20-day EMA at $77.79, with the broken ascending trend line at $78.07 reinforcing a nearby cap that bulls would need to clear to ease the current downside bias. The white metal could rise to near $80.00 if it manages to return above the 20-day EMA.
On the downside, the spot could slide to $70 if it fails to hold the May 19 low of $73.09.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
Silver FAQs
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
The domestic coffee market on the morning of May 23, 2026, received a major boost when purchasing prices simultaneously surged strongly on a large scale.
After the slight and somewhat cautious recovery of the previous trading session, soybean kernel prices in key Central Highlands provinces added from 1,200 to 1,300 VND/kg, helping the market officially regain the 88,000 VND/kg mark.
Specifically, in Dak Nong province (old), coffee prices recorded an increase of 1,300 VND, pushing the purchase price to 88,100 VND/kg and continuing to maintain the highest position in the whole region.
Dak Lak province also reached the milestone of 88,000 VND/kg after increasing by 1,300 VND. Gia Lai and Lam Dong provinces respectively recorded purchase prices of 87,900 VND/kg and 87,400 VND/kg after recovering by 1,200 VND compared to yesterday’s session.
Contrary to the boom of coffee, pepper prices today stood still at the mark of 142,000 VND/kg, while the USD/VND exchange rate at Vietcombank maintained stability at 26,130 VND/USD.
World coffee prices
Developments on futures exchanges last night showed a dramatic opposite situation between the two main coffee flows.
The London exchange became the main driving force for domestic prices when Robusta futures for July delivery increased by 57 USD (equivalent to 1.68%), closing at 3,456 USD/ton.
Conversely, the New York exchange continued to face slight downward adjustment pressure as Arabica futures for July delivery lost an additional 1.05 cent (equivalent to 0.38%), falling to 272.35 cents/lb. The fact that Robusta reversed the trend and accelerated above 1.5% clearly reflects investors’ concern about the actual nut supply situation.
Coffee price assessment
The core cause of this strong differentiation stems from complex weather developments that directly affect large production areas.
In Vietnam, the weather forecasting agency forecasts that recent rains in the key growing region of the Central Highlands are extremely scarce and scattered. The serious shortage of rainfall during the period when coffee trees are bearing young fruit has raised great concerns about year-end harvest yields, forcing speculative funds to boost purchases for defense.
In addition, the market also received support from the warning of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about 82% chance of El Niño phenomenon appearing and 67% probability of turning into “Super El Niño”, which could delay the rainy season and affect the flowering process of the next crop year in Brazil. Arabica inventories on the ICE exchange continued to fall to a 3-month low of 449,567 bags along with transport congestion through the Strait of Hormuz also contributing to maintaining a solid support for prices.
However, the breakthrough momentum of international prices is still significantly restrained by pressure from the new harvest that is taking place favorablely in South America. Reputable organizations such as StoneX and Marex Group Plc continuously maintain forecasts for a global super-surplus crop year of up to 10 million bags in 2026 thanks to Brazil’s record output expected to reach 75.9 million bags. Along with the fact that Vietnam’s export growth in the first 4 months of the year increased sharply by 15.8% to 810,000 tons, today’s increase is mainly a short-term reaction to weather risks in the Central Highlands.
Silver (XAG/USD) remains range-bound on Friday as traders avoid aggressive positioning amid uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations. At the time of writing, the white metal trades near $76.00 and is likely to close the week on a flat note.
In the latest developments, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We cannot necessarily say that we have reached a point where an agreement is close,” according to Tasnim News Agency. The spokesperson also said, “Details related to the nuclear issue are not being discussed at this stage,” according to Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), adding, “We will not reach a conclusion if we try to delve into details related to highly enriched uranium in Iran.”
Separately, sources told Sky News Arabia that negotiations in Tehran have reached an understanding on broad lines regarding the nuclear file.
Curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains one of Washington’s key demands for reaching an agreement, and the latest comments highlight that major differences between both sides still remain, keeping traders skeptical over whether a final deal can be reached.
Following the fresh headlines, the US Dollar eases from intraday highs, though XAG/USD struggles to attract meaningful buying interest as hawkish Fed expectations continue to limit the upside.
Inflation concerns linked to elevated Oil prices have prompted traders to increasingly price in the possibility of a Fed rate hike by the end of the year, with the latest University of Michigan (UoM) inflation expectations data further reinforcing that view.
Technical Analysis:
On the daily chart, XAG/USD holds below the 20-day Bollinger Simple Moving Average at roughly $77.54, keeping the near-term bias bearish despite price stabilizing after the recent slide. Momentum readings are soft, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovering just under the neutral 50 mark and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) in negative territory, which together hint that downside pressure persists even as volatility has compressed.
On the topside, initial resistance is formed by the 20-day Bollinger middle band near $77.54. A daily close above this barrier would be needed to ease immediate selling pressure, with the upper Bollinger band up at $86.92 acting as a more distant bullish target.
On the downside, the lower Bollinger band around $68.17 offers the next notable support zone should bears regain traction, and a break beneath that floor would expose deeper losses in the broader corrective phase.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
Silver FAQs
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
According to the latest IndexBox report on the global Ceramic Coffee Mug market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture.
The global ceramic coffee mug market is a mature yet structurally transforming category, characterized by a fundamental bifurcation between a commoditized, price-driven volume core and a dynamic, high-margin premium segment. Consumer need states have evolved beyond basic utility, creating distinct sub-categories around daily ritual enhancement, gifting and collectibility, professional and at-home office use, and portable on-the-go consumption, each with distinct price elasticity and brand loyalty profiles. Private-label penetration is intensifying in the core volume segment, exerting severe margin pressure on national brands and commoditizing shelf space in mass grocery and discount channels. Route-to-market control is a critical determinant of profitability, with brands reliant on third-party distributors facing compressed margins, while those with strong direct-to-retail relationships or scaled DTC channels capture significantly better economics and consumer data. Price architecture forms a steep ladder: value, standard, premium, and super-premium tiers. The battleground for margin growth is in capturing trade-up within and across these tiers. E-commerce is not merely an additional channel but a primary platform for premiumization and discovery, enabling niche brands to reach global audiences. Supply chain resilience has shifted to a dual imperative: maintaining ultra-lean, regionalized production for high-turnover volume goods, while securing flexible, artisanal, or on-shored capacity for premium lines. Innovation is increasingly packaging-led and systems-oriented, creating defensible IP and justifying substantial price premiums. The geographic landscape reveals a clear country-role logic: large, brand-building consumer markets drive trends and premiumization; concen
The baseline scenario for the ceramic coffee mug market through 2035 projects steady, moderate growth, with global demand expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.2% from 2026 to 2035, reaching a market index of 137 (2025=100). This growth is supported by a combination of demographic tailwinds, evolving coffee culture, and the ongoing premiumization of home and office drinkware. The market is expected to see a gradual shift in value share from the volume-driven, low-price segment toward the premium and super-premium tiers, as consumers increasingly seek products that offer aesthetic, experiential, and sustainability attributes. E-commerce will continue to gain share, accounting for an estimated 30-35% of global retail value by 2035, up from roughly 20% in 2025. The Asia-Pacific region will remain the largest production and consumption hub, while North America and Europe will lead in per-capita spending and premium product adoption. Key risks to the baseline include sustained inflationary pressure on raw materials (clay, glazes, packaging), potential supply chain disruptions, and the intensification of private-label competition in mature markets. However, the overall trajectory is positive, driven by the resilience of coffee culture, the rise of remote work, and the growing importance of home aesthetics.
Demand Drivers and Constraints
Primary Demand Drivers
Premiumization and the rise of experiential consumption, with consumers willing to pay more for design, craftsmanship, and brand storytelling.
Expansion of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels, enabling niche and artisanal brands to reach global audiences and bypass traditional retail gatekeepers.
Growing coffee culture and at-home consumption, supported by the proliferation of specialty coffee brewing methods and the enduring impact of remote work.
Increased focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, driving demand for mugs made from natural, recyclable, or locally sourced materials.
Gifting and collectibility trends, with limited-edition collaborations and artist-designed mugs creating repeat purchase cycles and higher price points.
Rise of the ‘home aesthetic’ movement, where consumers invest in home decor and tableware as an expression of personal style, boosting demand for premium ceramic mugs.
Potential Growth Constraints
Intense price competition from private-label and value brands, particularly in mass grocery and discount channels, compressing margins for national brands.
Rising raw material and energy costs, especially for high-quality clays, glazes, and kiln firing, which can erode profitability and limit production capacity.
Supply chain vulnerabilities, including reliance on concentrated manufacturing bases in Asia and potential disruptions from geopolitical tensions or logistics bottlenecks.
Market saturation in mature regions (North America, Europe), where per-capita mug ownership is high and replacement cycles are long, limiting volume growth.
Substitution risk from alternative materials such as stainless steel, glass, and reusable plastic, which may offer better durability, insulation, or portability for certain use occasions.
Demand Structure by End-Use Industry
Household / Home Use (estimated share: 45%)
The household segment remains the largest end-use sector for ceramic coffee mugs, accounting for 45% of global demand. This segment is driven by daily ritual consumption, where consumers use mugs for morning coffee, tea, and hot beverages. The trend is shifting from basic, low-cost mugs to premium, design-led products as consumers invest in home decor and personal well-being. The rise of remote and hybrid work has reinforced at-home consumption, with many households upgrading their drinkware to enhance the home office experience. Demand indicators include housing starts, home renovation spending, and consumer confidence in discretionary goods. By 2035, the segment is expected to see value growth outpacing volume growth, as trade-up to higher-priced mugs becomes more common. Key drivers include social media influence (e.g., Instagram-worthy mugs), gifting occasions, and the desire for personalized or artisanal products. Current trend: Stable to growing, driven by premiumization and home aesthetic trends..
Major trends: Premiumization and design-led purchasing, Growth of direct-to-consumer and online gifting, Sustainability and natural material preferences, and Personalization and limited-edition collaborations.
Representative participants: Le Creuset, Denby Pottery Company, Portmeirion Group PLC, Williams Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel.
Foodservice / Hospitality (estimated share: 25%)
The foodservice and hospitality sector represents 25% of global ceramic coffee mug demand, encompassing cafes, restaurants, hotels, and corporate catering. This segment is driven by the need for durable, stackable, and dishwasher-safe mugs that can withstand high-volume use. The trend is toward branded and custom-printed mugs that reinforce coffee shop or hotel identity, as well as premium ceramic mugs used in specialty coffee shops to enhance the customer experience. The rise of third-wave coffee culture has elevated the importance of mug aesthetics and feel, with many cafes investing in high-quality, artisan-made mugs. Demand indicators include global coffee shop revenue, hotel occupancy rates, and foodservice industry growth. By 2035, the segment is expected to grow in line with the broader foodservice recovery, with a shift toward more sustainable and locally sourced ceramic products. Key challenges include cost sensitivity and the need for high durability. Current trend: Moderate growth, with emphasis on durability and brand alignment..
Major trends: Branded and custom-printed mugs for differentiation, Shift toward durable, commercial-grade ceramics, Sustainability and local sourcing in procurement, and Integration with specialty coffee culture.
The office and workplace segment accounts for 15% of global ceramic coffee mug demand, driven by corporate break rooms, employee amenities, and business-to-business gifting. The shift toward remote and hybrid work has reduced the volume of mugs needed in traditional office settings, but this has been partially offset by increased demand for premium mugs as corporate gifts, promotional items, and employee welcome kits. Companies are using branded ceramic mugs as part of employer branding and remote team-building initiatives. Demand indicators include office occupancy rates, corporate spending on employee perks, and the size of the professional workforce. By 2035, the segment is expected to stabilize as hybrid work models become permanent, with a focus on higher-quality, customizable mugs that reflect company culture. The trend toward sustainability is also influencing procurement, with companies seeking eco-friendly and ethically produced mugs. Current trend: Declining slightly due to remote work, but premiumization in corporate gifting..
Major trends: Corporate gifting and promotional use, Customization and branding for employee engagement, Sustainability and ethical sourcing in procurement, and Shift from bulk to premium, design-forward mugs.
Representative participants: Mud Pie, Lenox Corporation, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, and IKEA.
Gifting / Souvenir (estimated share: 10%)
The gifting and souvenir segment represents 10% of global ceramic coffee mug demand, driven by purchases for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and travel souvenirs. This segment is highly seasonal and influenced by consumer spending on gifts and experiences. The trend is toward unique, limited-edition, and personalized mugs that offer emotional value and collectibility. The recovery of international travel is boosting demand for destination-themed and artisan-made souvenir mugs. E-commerce platforms have expanded the reach of gifting, with many consumers buying mugs as thoughtful, low-cost gifts. Demand indicators include consumer spending on gifts, travel volumes, and the number of special occasions. By 2035, the segment is expected to grow steadily, supported by the rise of experiential gifting and the popularity of subscription boxes that include ceramic mugs. Key challenges include competition from other gift categories and the need for distinctive design. Current trend: Growing, driven by experiential gifting and travel recovery..
Major trends: Personalization and custom printing, Limited-edition and artist collaborations, Travel and destination-themed mugs, and Subscription box and curated gifting.
Representative participants: Mud Pie, Portmeirion Group PLC, Starbucks Corporation, Yamazaki Tableware, and Denby Pottery Company.
The promotional and corporate merchandise segment accounts for 5% of global ceramic coffee mug demand, driven by businesses using mugs as giveaways, trade show items, and brand merchandise. This segment is highly price-sensitive and volume-driven, with a focus on cost-effective, customizable mugs that carry logos or slogans. The trend is toward higher-quality, sustainable mugs that align with corporate social responsibility goals, as companies seek to avoid low-quality promotional items that may harm brand perception. Demand indicators include corporate marketing budgets, trade show activity, and brand awareness campaigns. By 2035, the segment is expected to remain stable, with a gradual shift toward more premium and eco-friendly options. Key challenges include competition from digital promotional channels and the need for low unit costs. Current trend: Stable, with emphasis on brand visibility and sustainability..
Major trends: Shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly materials, Higher-quality mugs for brand image, Integration with digital marketing campaigns, and Customization and short-run production.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
#
Company
Headquarters
Focus
Scale
Note
1
Yeti Holdings
Austin, Texas, USA
Premium insulated drinkware
Large
Market leader in premium segment
2
Newell Brands
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Consumer goods (Mr. Coffee, Rubbermaid)
Large
Mass market via multiple brands
3
Stanley (PMI)
Seattle, Washington, USA
Insulated drinkware & food jars
Large
Iconic brand, part of PMI
4
Tervis
North Venice, Florida, USA
Insulated tumblers & mugs
Medium
Known for customizable designs
5
Ember Technologies
Pasadena, California, USA
Temperature-control mugs
Medium
Smart mug innovator
6
Fellow
San Francisco, California, USA
Design-forward coffee gear
Medium
Premium designer brand
7
Zojirushi
Osaka, Japan
Thermal carafes & mugs
Large
Japanese quality leader
8
Thermos LLC
Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
Insulated food & beverage containers
Large
Global brand, part of Taiyo Nippon Sanso
9
Bodum
Triengen, Switzerland
Coffee makers & drinkware
Medium
Design-focused tableware
10
Lifetime Brands
Garden City, New York, USA
Tableware & kitchenware
Large
Owns brands like Pfaltzgraff
11
Libbey
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Glassware & ceramic drinkware
Large
Major commercial & retail supplier
12
S’well
New York, New York, USA
Insulated bottles & travel mugs
Medium
Stylish reusable drinkware
13
OXO
New York, New York, USA
Housewares & kitchen tools
Large
Part of Helen of Troy
14
Alfi
Villeurbanne, France
Thermal carafes & jugs
Medium
European commercial specialist
15
KeepCup
Melbourne, Australia
Reusable barista-standard cups
Medium
Strong cafe & sustainability focus
16
Frank Green
Melbourne, Australia
Smart reusable cups
Medium
Tech-integrated design
17
Dunkin’ Brands
Canton, Massachusetts, USA
Coffee & baked goods
Large
Major retailer of branded mugs
18
Starbucks
Seattle, Washington, USA
Coffeehouse chain & merchandise
Large
Massive retail mug sales
19
Hic
San Francisco, California, USA
Ceramic tableware & mugs
Small
Designer ceramics
20
Mud Australia
Sydney, Australia
Porcelain homewares
Small
High-end minimalist ceramics
21
Denby Pottery
Denby, Derbyshire, UK
Stoneware & tableware
Medium
Heritage UK pottery brand
22
Royal Doulton
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Fine china & ceramic tableware
Large
Historic brand, part of WWRD
23
Fitz and Floyd
Dallas, Texas, USA
Decorative ceramic tableware
Medium
Ornate gift & home mugs
24
Sweese
Unknown
Kitchenware & ceramic mugs
Medium
Online-focused design brand
25
Le Creuset
Fresnoy-le-Grand, France
Enameled cast iron & stoneware
Large
Premium colorful stoneware mugs
Regional Dynamics
Asia-Pacific (estimated share: 45%)
Asia-Pacific holds the largest share, led by China as the primary manufacturing base and a rapidly expanding consumer market. Japan and South Korea are key premium markets, while India and Southeast Asia offer volume growth. E-commerce penetration is high, supporting premiumization. Direction: Dominant production hub and growing consumer market, driven by rising coffee culture and urbanization..
North America (estimated share: 25%)
North America is a mature market with high per-capita consumption. Growth is driven by premiumization, home aesthetic trends, and the rise of specialty coffee. The US leads in branded and designer mugs, with e-commerce and DTC channels gaining share. Direction: Mature but premiumizing market, with strong DTC and specialty coffee trends..
Europe (estimated share: 20%)
Europe is a mature market with a strong tradition of ceramic craftsmanship. Growth is modest, driven by premium and sustainable products. Germany, UK, and France are key markets. Sustainability regulations and consumer preferences are shaping product innovation. Direction: Stable market with strong heritage brands and sustainability focus..
Latin America (estimated share: 5%)
Latin America is a small but growing market, with Brazil and Mexico leading. Coffee culture is strong, but economic constraints limit premium spending. Volume growth is driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes, though margins remain thin. Direction: Emerging market with volume potential, but low per-capita spending..
Middle East & Africa (estimated share: 5%)
The Middle East and Africa region is a small market, with demand concentrated in the Gulf states and South Africa. Growth is driven by luxury hospitality, tourism, and gifting. Premium and branded mugs are popular, but overall volume is limited by smaller populations and economic disparities. Direction: Niche market with potential in premium hospitality and gifting..
Market Outlook (2026-2035)
In the baseline scenario, IndexBox estimates a 3.2% compound annual growth rate for the global ceramic coffee mug market over 2026-2035, bringing the market index to roughly 137 by 2035 (2025=100).
Note: indexed curves are used to compare medium-term scenario trajectories when full absolute volumes are not publicly disclosed.
For full methodological details and benchmark tables, see the latest IndexBox Ceramic Coffee Mug market report.
May 22 (Reuters) – Barclays is maintaining its 2026 average Brent crude oil price forecast at $100 a barrel though risks are skewing higher, the bank said in a note on Friday.
In trading on Friday, Brent futures were at about $105 a barrel as investors doubted the prospects of a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran peace talks, while the key Strait of Hormuz stayed closed. [O/R]
Around 20% of global energy supplies transited the strait before the war, and the conflict has removed 14 million barrels per day of oil – or 14% of global supply – from the market from suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE and Kuwait.
“Inventory trends are signaling a 6-8 (million bpd) deficit with the U.S. inventories within reach of the lowest levels since 2020,” the bank said.
Barclays said that even if the Strait of Hormuz were to fully reopen today, the starting point for inventories even in the most optimistic scenario will be roughly 20 million barrel below the tightest level in recent history.
Meanwhile, demand remains largely resilient and any weakness in the end uses linked to industrial activity will likely recover strongly if supply normalizes quickly, the bank added.
(Reporting by Noel John in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
2026.05.22 2026.05.22 WTI Crude Oil: Elliott Wave Analysis and Forecast for 22.05.26–29.05.26
Alex Geutahttps://www.litefinance.org/blog/authors/alex-geuta/
The article covers the following subjects:
Major Takeaways
Main scenario: Consider long positions from corrections above 93.30 with a target of 115.70–126.00. A buy signal: the price holds above 93.30. Stop Loss: below 91.50, Take Profit: 115.70–126.00.
Alternative scenario: Breakout and consolidation below 93.30 will allow the asset to continue declining to the levels of 78.70–65.00. A sell signal: the level of 93.30 is broken to the downside. Stop Loss: above 95.00, Take Profit: 78.70–65.00.
Main Scenario
Consider long positions from corrections above 93.30 with a target of 115.70–126.00.
Alternative Scenario
Breakout and consolidation below 93.30 will allow the asset to continue declining to the levels of 78.70–65.00.
Analysis
A descending correction appears to have formed as the second wave of larger degree (2) on the weekly chart, with wave C of (2) completed as its part. On the daily time frame, an ascending third wave (3) has started unfolding, with the first wave of smaller degree 1 of (3) still developing as its part. Wave v of 1 is presumably developing on the H4 time frame, with wave (iii) of v unfolding as its part. If the presumption is correct, WTI will continue to rise to 115.70–126.00. The level of 93.30 is critical in this scenario as a breakout below it will enable the asset to continue declining to the levels of 78.70–65.00.
This forecast is based on the Elliott Wave Theory. When developing trading strategies, it is essential to consider fundamental factors, as the market situation can change at any time.
Price chart of USCRUDE in real time mode
The content of this article reflects the author’s opinion and does not necessarily reflect the official position of LiteFinance broker. The material published on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as the provision of investment advice for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU.
According to copyright law, this article is considered intellectual property, which includes a prohibition on copying and distributing it without consent.
Copper price was forced to provide weak trading due to the continuation of the main indicators’ contradiction against the negative stability below the barrier at $6.3800 level, to force it to delay the corrective decline and hold near $6.2800 level.
Note that confirming the dominance of the bearish corrective trend needs to break the initial support at $6.1000, to ease the mission of the corrective stations, which might begin at $5.9500 and $58000, while surpassing the barrier will provide a chance for recording some gains, to expect attacking the resistance near $6.5800.
The expected trading range for today is between $6.1000 and$6.3500
Copper price took advantage of the initial support near $6.1000 by forming positive rebound, to settle near $6.2500 level, attempting to delay the previously suggested corrective trend, the continuation of forming extra barrier at $6.3800 level might force the price to renew the corrective attempts, to press on $6.1000 level breaking it will extend the trading towards $5.5900 reaching $5.8000 level.
While surpassing the barrier and holding above it will confirm its readiness to renew the bullish attempts, attempting to reach $6.5400 initially, which might record historical targets by its rally towards $6.7300.
The expected trading range for today is between $6.000 and $6.3500
Silver (XAG/USD) is seen building on the previous day’s bounce from the vicinity of a nearly two-week low, around the $73.00 neighborhood, and gaining positive traction for the second straight day on Thursday. The white metal climbs above mid-$76.00s during the Asian session, though it remains below the weekly high set on Tuesday.
From a technical perspective, the XAG/USD currently trades just below the $76.75 confluence hurdle – comprising the 100-hour Simple Moving Average (SMA) and the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the recent downfall from the monthly peak. A sustained strength beyond the said barrier will be seen as a fresh trigger for bullish traders and pave the way for a further near-term appreciating move.
Constructive momentum indicators on the 1-hour chart hint that selling pressure is moderating rather than accelerating. The Relative Strength Index is near 57, and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line is holding slightly above zero. Hence, a clear breakout through the aforementioned hurdle could lift the XAG/USD to the 38.2% Fibo. at $79.21 and then the 50% level at $81.14.
On the downside, the main structural floor emerges at the cycle low and Fibonacci anchor around $72.97, where buyers would be expected to show more determined interest if the current pullback extends.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
XAG/USD 1-hour chart
Silver FAQs
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
The domestic coffee market in the morning session of May 21, 2026 recorded a slight downward adjustment trend, immediately cutting off the recovery streak of yesterday’s trading session.
According to survey data in key growing areas of the Central Highlands, bulk purchase prices simultaneously decreased by 100 to 200 VND per kg, bringing the regional average price level to 86,000 VND per kg.
Specifically, in Dak Nong province (old), the purchasing price decreased the most by 200 VND, falling to the threshold of 86.100 VND per kg but still maintaining the highest price in the region.
Dak Lak and Gia Lai localities both recorded a slight decrease of 100 VND, currently trading stably at 86,000 VND per kg.
Meanwhile, the Lam Dong area listed the lowest price in the region at 85,500 VND per kg after losing 100 VND compared to the previous session.
In other items, pepper prices remained unchanged at the level of 142,000 VND per kg, especially the USD/VND exchange rate at Vietcombank recorded a fairly strong increase of up to 10 VND, currently trading around the threshold of 26,131 VND.
World coffee prices
Developments on international futures exchanges in the nearest closing session continued to witness the dominance of the selling side, causing red to cover both exchanges. On the New York exchange, Arabica coffee prices for July 2026 delivery fell another 1.85 cents, equivalent to 0.68%, closing at 268.30 cents per pound.
Sharing the downward trend, the London exchange recorded Robusta futures for July delivery in 2026 falling 17 USD, equivalent to 0.51%, falling to the threshold of 3,328 USD per ton, officially setting the lowest level in the past month. This decline shows that the short-term optimistic sentiment from the lack of technical buying replenishment in the previous session was quickly extinguished by the wave of defensive selling as South American countries entered the peak harvest.
Coffee price assessment and forecast
From the perspective of market analysts, the coffee price situation is under heavy pressure from the prospect of abundant supply on a global scale.
Forecast data from Coffee Trading Academy and Marex Group Plc both simultaneously indicated the 2026 crop output. 2027 of Brazil will grow strongly, even StoneX forecasts that the global surplus in 2026 will expand to 10 million bags, the highest level in the past 6 years. In Vietnam, the export momentum in the first 4 months of the year increased sharply by 15.8% to 810,000 tons from the Bureau of Statistics continues to be a factor directly hindering the recovery momentum of the London exchange, even when Robusta inventory monitored by ICE just had a slight recovery to a 2.5-week high of 3,845 lots.
Although the “bottlenecks” from the closure of themuz Strait increased global transportation costs and Brazil’s decrease in exports in April are still technical support, pressure from the new crop line about to flood the market in June is expected to make domestic coffee prices unlikely to have a strong breakthrough.
