silver prices eased after a modest advance in the previous session, with XAG/USD trading near $58 during Asian hours on Thursday. The metal has nevertheless found support in recent days following the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision, while expectations that other major central banks will keep policy steady have also helped limit downside pressure.
At its July meeting, the Fed left interest rates unchanged in the 3.5% to 3.75% range, despite lingering concerns about inflation and the broader impact of renewed tensions in the Middle East. The decision was viewed as supportive for silver , since elevated borrowing costs usually weigh on non-yielding assets. In the near term, attention is centered on the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan, both of which are expected to hold rates steady while keeping a cautious stance on inflation.
The Fed’s internal split highlighted continuing policy debate. Several regional presidents favored a 25-basis-point increase, reflecting concern that inflation remains too elevated. Chair Kevin Warsh maintained a firm tone after the meeting, signaling that the central bank is prepared to use all available tools to return inflation to its 2% goal, even though it is not giving explicit guidance on future rate moves.
That message has reinforced the view that U.S. monetary policy remains restrictive. A hawkish policy backdrop is typically supportive of the dollar and can cap gains in silver over time, especially when markets conclude that rate cuts are unlikely in the near term.
Geopolitical risks are also shaping sentiment across global markets. Tensions in the Middle East remain elevated after a recent attack on U.S. forces in Jordan prompted a strong response from President Donald Trump. Diplomatic progress remains limited, with negotiations stalled over Tehran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.Japanese game developer Gumi will begin operating a 3 billion yen, or about $18 million, crypto asset fund on Saturday in partnership with SBI Financial Services and with support from Daiwa Securities Group and other investors. The new vehicle is being run through SBI Crypto Fund, a joint venture owned 51% by SBI Financial Services and 49% by Gumi subsidiary gC Labs.
Gumi said the fund will focus primarily on Bitcoin and major altcoins. Its investment approach is expected to combine staking, portfolio rebalancing and hedging strategies, reflecting an effort to generate returns while managing the volatility common in digital assets.
The company said the launch is intended to help connect Japan’s corporate sector with the crypto market and to build an operating record that could prove useful if the country eventually lifts its ban on crypto exchange-traded funds. Japan has been cautious in its approach to digital asset products, making the fund a notable step for a listed domestic company.
The initiative also extends Gumi’s broader push into crypto, which has increasingly become part of its business strategy. The company already manages its own holdings, centered on XRP , and offers portfolio management services through Hinode Technologies, while also participating in crypto investment funds.
That expansion is visible on Gumi’s balance sheet. In its latest annual report, the company said crypto assets reached 14.13 billion yen as of April 30, 2026, nearly doubling from 7.58 billion yen a year earlier. The growth indicates that digital assets are becoming a more material part of the company’s financial profile as it deepens its involvement in the sector.
