Silver attempts comeback after Thursday’s rout despite margin hike

Marketwatch reports China’s leading market for precious metals trading increased its silver margin requirements Friday to a fresh high amid heightened volatility in precious metals.

The Shanghai Gold Exchange lifted silver margin requirements to 18% of a contract’s value, up from 15% previously, according to data provided by ScotiaMocca, the metals unit of Scotia Capital. In morning trade in New York silver for December delivery was up 1.2% at $31.90 an ounce after retreating in East Asia and recovering from a 7% tumble on Thursday.

 Silver prices so far this year have averaged $35.70, a rise of 88% year-on-year, but is down from a record high of $48.61 at the end of April. Silver prices were expected to exceed $50/oz by the end of 2012, Thomson Reuters GFMS reported in its interim silver market review on Thursday on the back of increased investment demand.