Coin界 News: According to a report released by independent analyst Markus Thielen on March 18, 2026, investors are continuously increasing their holdings of silver to hedge against stagflation risks and geopolitical uncertainty. Against the backdrop of high oil prices potentially pushing U.S. CPI to 3.36% and the Federal Reserve potentially being forced to extend its pause in rate hikes, silver's inflation-hedging properties are becoming increasingly prominent. At the same time, AI-driven data center construction and energy infrastructure expansion continue to drive industrial demand for silver, giving it dual attributes as both a critical mineral and a safe-haven asset. Despite the strengthening U.S. dollar putting pressure on gold prices, silver futures maintain an upward trend. Current silver prices have entered a converging triangle pattern, directional breakout may be imminent, and volatility may rise accordingly.