PRECIOUS-Silver tops $100 an ounce for the first time

Jan 23 (Reuters) - Spot silver prices XAG= jumped to the key psychological level of $100 an ounce level for the first time on Friday as robust demand and buying momentum fueled prices.

Silver's run toward the $100 an ounce mark comes as investors pile into safe-haven assets in the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, and amid expectations of lower interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The white metal has surged more than 200% since Trump took office for a second term in January last year. Strong gains in silver have also been driven by ongoing challenges in scaling up refining of the metal and a persistent supply shortage in the market.