jeffrey christian of cpm group forecast an increase in investor demand for silver bullion in 2009. investor demand was 70 million ounces in 2007, then 100 million ounces in 2008, and is forecast to rise to 180 million ounces in 2009.

http://www.financialsense.com/fsn/ma...

the us mint has issued more than 6 million silver eagles so far this year. that would be about 25 million if they kept up that pace for the entire year, which of course they cannot do. but that's what it takes to keep the premiums for bullion over the comex price from expanding even further.