CME silver margin hike. Photo by BeInCrypto Silver (XAG) markets are heading into a pivotal week after the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) announced its second margin hike in just two weeks, effective Monday, December 29. The exchange has raised the initial margin requirement for the March 2026 silver futures contract to approximately $25,000, up from $20,000 earlier this month, increasing pressure on leveraged traders as prices hover near multi-year highs. CME Silver Margin Hike Takes Effect Monday a ...