Silver prices have surged to $72 per ounce as of December 2025, marking a 136% increase year-to-date. This rally has propelled the metal's market capitalization to nearly $4 trillion, surpassing the valuation of major corporations like Google. Key factors driving this surge include geopolitical tensions, shifts in monetary policy, and rising industrial demand, particularly in sectors such as solar energy, electronics, and electric vehicles. The market is also experiencing a significant supply deficit, with a reported shortfall of 180 million ounces, exacerbating shortages on the COMEX exchange. Analysts draw parallels between silver's current rally and trends observed in the altcoin market, highlighting scarcity and investor behavior as contributing factors.