Silver prices rose 0.71 per cent to Rs 41,813 per kg at the futures trade today as participants built-up fresh positions, tracking a firm overseas trend.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver prices for delivery in September rose Rs 296 or 0.71 per cent to Rs 41,813 per kg in a business turnover of 684 lots.

Similarly, the white metal for delivery in December traded higher by Rs 229 or 0.54 per cent at Rs 42,550 per kg in a turnover of 16 lots.

Globally, silver gained 0.5 per cent to $19.69 an ounce in Singapore

Market analysts said besides short-covering by speculators, gains in the precious metals overseas ahead of a report today that may show US jobless claims increased, potentially delaying the moves by the Federal Reserve to slow the pace of bond purchases, influenced silver futures here.