Silver firms above $17 for fifth consecutive session

Silver futures tilted higher past $17 an ounce in American trade as the dollar index gave up ground, following earlier data from the US, the world's largest economy. 

As of 06:00 GMT, silver futures due on September 15 rose 0.12% to $17.080 an ounce from the opening of $17.060, while the dollar index shed 0.27% to 93.30 from the opening of 93.55. 

Earlier US data showed the manufacturing PMI slowed down unexpectedly, while services PMI widened more than expected according to preliminary readings for August, as new home sales tumbled unexpectedly in July. 

On the same note, president Donald Trump threatened to shut the government if he didn't get the funds necessary to build the wall along the border with Mexico, while asserting the failure of the current trade talks with both Canada and Mexico and threatening to get rid of the NAFTA trade deal. 

Now markets await the Jackson Hole Symposium later this week.. the Economic Symposium, held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is attended by central bankers, finance ministers, academics, and financial market participants from around the world. The meetings are closed to the press but officials usually talk with reporters throughout the day.

Comments and speeches from central bankers and other influential officials can create significant market volatility, especially from major global figures such as Fed Chair Janet Yellen and governors of central banks in Japan, England, and Europe. 

Silver hit two-month highs last week and continued its tentative advance past $17, amid political uncertainty in the US as investors doubt president Donald Trump's ability to carry out his promised economic , while the North Korea concerns persist.