Silver pushed to fresh 31-year highs, leading the precious metals once again.  Gold closed at a five week high.  April platinum closed at $1844, quite within striking distance of the February 9 high of $1869.  All systems are go for higher prices ahead; higher U.S. inflation data, consumer prices inching up, volatile food and energy prices, simmering political tensions in the Middle East.  Even the U.S. Treasury yields are starting to soften.

One word—buy.

Apr platinum $1,844.0, up $9.70; Range $1,823.90-$1,846.10

Mar palladium $843.00, up $4.65; Range $833.25-$847.00

Apr gold $1,385.10, up $10; Range $1,374.60-$1,385.40

Mar silver $31.570, up 94.1 cents; Range $30.550-$31.705