The casual reader of financial news is probably aware that gold’s glitter is shining brightly this year on the heels of a 60%-plus year-to-date rally. But the sparkle looks dull next to silver’s rise. Using a set of ETFs to track the two metals highlights that silver has surged nearly 119% this year, based on the iShares Silver Trust (SLV). The stellar increase is nearly twice the gain for gold, based on SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). What’s driving silver’s upside explosion? A mix of factors, according to analysts, including stockpiling related to the growing demand for the metal in electronics, alternative energy ... (full story)