CME raises COMEX silver futures initial margin to 18% from 15% amid precious-metals volatility

CME Group said on Thursday, February 5, 2026 that it would raise the initial margin on COMEX 5,000-ounce silver futures to 18% from 15%, and on COMEX 100-ounce gold futures to 9% from 8%, citing heightened volatility in the precious metals market. The change took effect after the close of business on Friday, February 6. It came the same day silver fell 24.92% to 67.17, after its late-January record high.

• Silver initial margin raised to 18% from 15% for COMEX 5000 Silver Futures
• Gold initial margin raised to 9% from 8% for COMEX 100 Gold Futures (non-HRP accounts)
• Effective after the close of business on Friday, February 6, 2026
• CME cited heightened volatility in the precious metals market