Silver challenges record, rallies 7%; gold rises (by Claudia Assis)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Silver futures rallied 7% on Thursday, leading metals as the dollar was weaker, and markets worried about the U.S. economy growing at a slower pace and a jump in jobless claims. Gold added to gains from earlier in the session. Silver for May delivery (sik11) rose $3.19 to $49.16 an ounce, hemming in on a 31-year record. Gold for June delivery (gcm11) added $18.70, or 1.2%, to $1,535.50, touching a record intraday and vying for another settlement record. The iShares Silver Trust (slv) , the top exchange-traded fund backed by silver, gained 2%.