I dissagree with the rise being due to speculation only. Global demand has a lot to do with it. A lot of it is speculation which causes the quick up and down trends, but the overall gains that determine the long range prices are from demand. Of course there are analysts all over with opinions on both sides of this, so unless you do a lot of research on your own, it is easy to take one side or another depending on your sources. The big gains in a single day which can be described as parabolic lately in silver, are prime for corrections but as mentioned above, things will still continue to rise. In other words don't bail on silver in a panic. Worry less about day to day changes but rather week to week, it is easier on your health.