The precious metals complex broke out of consolidation with a vengeance on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, fueled by a significantly softer-than-expected U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The inflation data provided the catalyst bulls had been waiting for, sparking a broad "risk-on" rally across the sector as the U.S. dollar came under renewed selling pressure. Gold surged nearly 1.4% to close just shy of the $5,100 level, erasing Tuesday's pause and confirming the uptrend.
Silver was the standout performer of the session, exploding over 5.2% to reclaim the $85.00 handle. The white metal’s high sensitivity to monetary policy expectations was on full display, as traders aggressively priced in increased odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut in March. The industrial metals joined the advance, with Platinum jumping 3% to clear $2,150 and Palladium adding nearly 1.8%. The synchronized move higher suggests a high-conviction trade, with capital flowing back into hard assets as a hedge against currency debasement and falling real yields.
Precious Metal | Spot Price (USD/oz) | Daily Change (%) |
Gold | $5,095.25 | +1.39% |
Silver | $85.03 | +5.25% |
Platinum | $2,150.80 | +3.00% |
Palladium | $1,739.07 | +1.76% |
Soft CPI Data: The primary driver of Wednesday's rally was the January CPI report, which showed inflation cooling faster than economists had anticipated. The data reinforced the narrative that the Federal Reserve has room to ease policy, sending the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) lower. This immediate repricing of the currency boosted demand for dollar-denominated assets, lifting gold bars back toward record territory.
Silver Breakout: Silver’s massive 5.25% move was driven by a combination of short covering and technical momentum. After consolidating earlier in the week, the break above $82 triggered a wave of algorithmic buying. The metal’s ability to outperform gold by such a wide margin highlights the returning speculative appetite for silver coins as a leverage play on the precious metals bull market.
Platinum Catch-Up: Platinum played "catch-up" to the broader complex, rising 3% as value investors stepped in. With the supply deficit narrative still lurking in the background, the improved macro environment provided the necessary spark for platinum to break out of its recent tight range, drawing in momentum funds targeting the $2,200 level.
With the CPI hurdle cleared, market participants will focus on follow-through data and central bank rhetoric to gauge the durability of this rally.
PPI Inflation Data (Tomorrow): Attention turns to Thursday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) release. While typically less impactful than CPI, a confirming soft read on wholesale inflation would likely solidify the week's gains. Conversely, a hot number could introduce choppy trading conditions.
Fed Speak: Traders will be listening closely to any commentary from Federal Reserve officials in response to the inflation data. Any dovish shift in tone could provide further tailwinds for gold to challenge the $5,100 resistance zone.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market data and prices are subject to change.