Silver prices were up by Rs 162 to Rs 40,020 per kg at the futures trade today as speculators indulged in creating fresh positions, even as the metal weakened overseas.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver for delivery in May was trading higher by Rs 162 or 0.41 per cent at Rs 40,020 per kg in a business turnover of 607 lots.

Likewise, the white metal for delivery in July rose Rs 136 or 0.34 per cent to Rs 40,481 per kg in 143 lots.

Market analysts said speculative positions built-up by participants at prevailing levels mainly influenced silver futures.

Meanwhile, silver was down 0.51 per cent at $17.48 an ounce in New York yesterday.