There is a manipulation aspect to it, and an economic aspect. As a monetary metal, silver is currently manipulated downward by investment banks. As an industrial metal, silver is currently suffering from declining prices as a result of reduced demand. Both of these factors together make silver relatively cheap today. Now is actually a good time to accumulate and hold. In a few years, when both of these factors have changed, it should result in a good profit. But if you are thinking it is a short term play, you are probably going to be disappointed.