Silver tests $65: Why are buyers struggling to extend the rally?

Silver (XAG/USD) struggles to extend its gains on Monday following last week’s strong breakout as traders assess the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate outlook amid risks on both sides of its dual mandate. The United States (US) labour market is showing signs of weakness, while inflation risks remain tilted to the upside. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades around $64, with the $65 psychological mark acting as a firm ceiling.

The white metal climbed to its highest level since June 23 last week after weaker-than-expected US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data prompted traders to scale back expectations for a September Fed rate hike. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a rate hike now stands below 50%.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz keeps energy-driven inflation risks in focus, even as Iran and Oman say they are close to finalising an agreement.

Traders now await Wednesday’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which could provide the next major catalyst and determine whether Silver breaks above $65 or loses momentum. A softer-than-expected reading could further reduce Fed rate hike bets and support the non-yielding metal. Conversely, hotter inflation could revive expectations for a rate increase.

Technical analysis

XAG/USD is in recovery mode after forming a double-bottom pattern near the $55 region and reclaiming the 21-day and 50-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs). The latest leg higher pushed Silver toward $65, a level that previously acted as support but has now turned into resistance, capping immediate upside attempts.

Momentum indicators support the bullish outlook. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart holds around 61, while the positive and expanding Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram suggests the recovery is gaining strength. A decisive daily close above $65 would expose the 100-day SMA near $69, with the $75 level emerging as the next major hurdle.

On the downside, the 50-day SMA near $62 offers initial support, followed by the 21-day SMA around $59. A break below the latter would weaken the recovery and bring the $55 double-bottom region back into focus.