Silver prices have recently dropped sharply after reaching record highs in late December 2025. This change has caught the attention of global commodity markets. Following an unprecedented appreciation of 150% in 2025, when silver prices touched their intra-day high of over Rs 2.62 lacs on December 29, the prices suddenly dived by Rs 4,000 to touch Rs 2,58,000 on the same day. On 1st January, it traded ₹2,35,800 on MCX, down by ₹26,200 from the peak.This sudden about-turn, silver's biggest since August 2020, leaves the investor confused. Let's talk about it in more detail.The CME margin hikeOne of the factors that led to this correction in the prices for silver was the move by the CME Group, which operates major derivatives exchanges, to increase margin requirements for silver futures contracts.The CME Group increased the initial margin requirement for silver contracts set for March 2026. The new requirement is $25,000, up from the previous $20,000. This change forces traders who are heavily leveraged to add more money to keep their positions.Those traders who could not satisfy these increased margin requirements were compelled to sell off their contracts rather hastily, thus additionally impacting the prices of silver negatively.Aggressive profit-bookingThe other reason for this drastic decline in silver prices can be attributed to a trend of profit-booking by traders. As there has been a heated rally in the prices of silver in 2025, traders have taken the opportunity to lock in their profits at the end of the year.The volatility in prices because of profit-booking was further amplified by thin trading volumes during the holiday periods towards the end of the year. The reason is simple: lower liquidity means there are fewer players in the market to absorb large selling orders; therefore, more volatility in prices.You think Silver FnO is risky and complicated to start off? Begin your investing journey with Silver ETF and Silver Mutual Funds on Dhan today!Easing global tensions and dollar strengthThe overall macroeconomic trends are also the reasons for the decrease in the price of silver. Both silver and gold are considered safe-haven investments, especially in cases of global turbulence or events of instability across the globe.News about the progression of the potential peace plan between the US, Ukraine, and Russia caused the demand for precious metals to fall as a safe-haven asset. When there is hope for improved global stability, the individual places their investments elsewhere rather than investing them in a safe haven.Additionally, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar had the effect of making dollar-priced commodities more expensive to investors using other currencies, thereby further reducing the demand for silver.The future outlookEven with recent volatility, market experts are broadly positive on silver investments in the long run, suggesting the recent drop is more about positioning than a fundamental shift in trend. The main forces shaping silver prices are:Supply deficit: The silver market has been in its fifth consecutive year with a supply deficit. Mine production, in addition to recycling, is not keeping pace with the growth in demand.Industrial demand crossover: The role of silver as an industrial metal drives its demand further upward. Uses relating to green technology- solar panels, electric vehicles, and AI data centres are anticipated to increase strongly in 2026 and beyond.Export restrictions by China: Effective January 1, 2026, China, a major refiner and consumer of silver, has enacted new export-licensing requirements, which indicate a tighter control over outbound flows and the potential for constrained physical silver supply to the global markets.To wrap itThe recent fall in silver prices can potentially be a short-term market correction and technical adjustment, due to profit booking, increased margin requirements, as well as relief from safe-haven demand due to the easing of geopolitical tensions. Despite this negative pressure on silver prices, the long-term outlook for silver remains strongly bullish due to supply deficits and accelerating industrial demand.