Silver ekes out gains as Asian stocks waver

Silver prices inched up in Asian trade after dithering yesterday, with the white metal trying to capitalize on the wavering in Asian stocks today, which buoyed demand on silver as an alternative investment. 

Disappointing Chinese growth data for the first quarter nudged Asian stocks lower after a positive start to the session, in turn boosting demand on silver modestly. 

Dollar tumbled against a basket of major rivals yesterday, providing another positive impetus for silver prices as dollar-denominated metal futures become cheaper to holders of other currencies. 

Even as silver ekes out gains, gold is still wavering as fears over a prolonged global crisis in Syria faded away, in turn underpinning risk appetite for the day. 

Silver rose tentatively to $16.66 an ounce from the opening of $16.64, with a session-high at $16.71, and a low at $16.64.