Vince Lanci: The Silver Squeeze and Why Banks Are Looking at Miners

Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Professor Vince Lanci, MBA Finance and Publisher of the Goldfix Substack, and all-around nice guy for a discussion into the complexities of gold and silver markets, particularly focusing on shorting positions in ETFs like PSLV and SLV. Lanci explains that these metals are ideal for carry trades due to their indestructible nature, allowing banks to borrow and lease them easily. However, he highlights how increased physical demand, driven by central bank repatriation and tariffs, has strained this system, leading to potential short squeezes.

Lanci discusses the differences between gold and silver markets, noting that while gold benefits from central bank backing, silver lacks such support, making it more vulnerable to supply shortages.

He connects the rise in lease rates for silver to these market dynamics, suggesting that higher demand and logistical challenges are driving prices upward. Tom also touches on the impact of tariffs, which Lanci believes will further boost precious metal prices by accelerating de-dollarization. Additionally, Lanci addresses the shift in bank reports towards recognizing physical gold demand, particularly from central banks, as a key driver of price movements.

Lastly, Lanci notes that financial institutions are increasingly recommending exposure to gold and silver miners, indicating a broader trend of investor interest in these sectors.

Timestamp References:
0:00 – Introduction
2:00 – ETF Shorts & Hard Facts
15:26 – PSLV Trade Vol. Chart
18:40 – Silver & Short Spikes
23:24 – Musical Chairs?
25:34 – Naked Shorting Limits?
29:09 – Silver Lease Rates
31:35 – Silver/Gold Logistics
40:50 – Silver Squeeze Process
42:27 – Tariffs & Demand Catalysts
48:23 – April Tariffs & Metals
53:36 – Bank Reports & Gold
1:06:16 – Wrap Up

Guest Links:
Special Discount: https://vblgoldfix.substack.com/TomPalisades
Website: https://vblgoldfix.substack.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/Sorenthek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentlanci/
Boobs & Bullion: https://x.com/boobsbullion

Vince Lanci, a seasoned finance professional, has served as Managing Partner at Echobay Partners LLC since 2008. His expertise spans over three decades in metals trading, option analysis, and technology development.

In recent years, Mr. Lanci’s insights have been sought after by industry legends. He was invited to be a resident expert on precious metals and option analysis for Larry Benedict’s Opportunistic Trader project. In 2017, he co-authored a paper on Energy Volatility with Professor Robert Biolsi at the University of Connecticut.

Prior to his current role, from 2004 to 2008, Mr. Lanci served as Co-Head of Metals & Energy Trading for CiS Options LLC. During this tenure, he managed the long-short and volatility arbitrage portfolios for the parent Limited Partnership fund.

From 1993 to 2003, Mr. Lanci was the proprietor of Berard Capital LLC, where he led a team of option marketmakers. His earlier career included stints at Lehman Bros and Cooper Neff from 1987 to 1993, providing him with a solid foundation in finance.

In 2000, Mr. Lanci co-founded Whentech (originally named Upperhand Technologies LLC) with David Wender. As chief architect of the “Pit-Trader” user interface logic, he played a pivotal role in the company’s inception.

Mr. Lanci’s thought leadership extends beyond his professional engagements. He contributes regularly to Zerohedge, BBG, and RTRS. His expertise has also been showcased at Mondo Visione and NYC Mines & Money conferences. A firm believer in level playing fields for investors, he advocates for transparency and fairness in financial markets.