Soaring silver, other metals, push raw material prices up
Improved sentiment underpins revival in dealmaking
Chip, software companies up as 'bargain hunters' step in
Central banks, investors driven to gold by erratic U.S. policy, geopolitical risk
U.S. markets also down after Trump names hawkish Fed chair nominee
However, retail enthusiasm for silver seen as 'not sustainable'
Safe haven gold nears US$5,000 an ounce while silver tops US$100-mark
Amid possible mega-merger, industry primed for consolidation
For Canadian producers, the need for foreign pipeline access ramps up
Parallel cases by SEC, CFTC and state regulators result in restitution, penalties