This week we saw lackluster trade for the March silver contract after last weeks failed run to 18.895. After opening at 18.130 on Monday, silver traded down to a weekly low of 17.690 on Tuesday before fighting back higher towards the second half of the week. Trade this week reiterates that 18.000 remains a key level in the March contract. With tensions in the middle east lessening and a risk-on attitude towards equities remaining in-tact, the bears have the upper had currently. Recent strength in the US dollar should also be added pressure to silver. Barring any fundamental changes, the short-term trend remains to the downside and any rallies will be short lived. A close under 17.750 should accelerate a move lower with 17.000-17.200 being the next level of support. A strong close over resistance at 18.000 is needed to reverse the trend back to the upside.