Silver investment by American buyers is expected to drop sharply in 2017 to its lowest point this decade, according to Metals Focus, which bills itself as “The Independent Precious Metals Consultancy.”

During 2017, the consultancy predicts retail investment in the U.S. may drop 20 percent from 2016, to an estimated 78 million ounces.

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An increase in the amount of silver coins and bars being sold back into the metals market has restricted the need for distributors to buy newly manufactured product, according to Metals Focus.

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However, the firm urged caution in extrapolating future demand “from the current weak sales trend,” pointing to 2015, “which saw weak demand over the first five months quickly replaced by a steep upturn in silver coin and bar sales in the U.S.,” according to Metals Focus. For that to happen now, Metals Focus reports its research indicates that dealers say the spot price per troy ounce of silver would have to fall to between $14 and $15 “to help attract retail investors” and drive sales upward.

For more in-depth information, visit the Metals Focus website, or contact Charles Demeester via email or by telephone at +44 0203 301 6513.