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Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts

Tuesday 7 November 2017

Winter demand good for gold but prices likely to fall

Gold prices were hovering near multi-week highs for most investors outside the US Dollar and Euro on Thursday, as the Bank of England followed the Federal Reserve's widely expected "no change" decision by raising UK rates off an all-time record low as analysts and traders had forecast.
However in Friday, Spot gold was down 0.2 percent at $1,267.01 per Ounce and touched a one-week low of $1,265.16 over positive economic data and central bank decisions.



The past week was a significant week for central banks. The Bank of England raised interest rates for the first time in ten years, the Federal Reserve indicated that a December rate hike may happen and President Trump named Powell as his choice for leader of the Federal Reserve.

But still uncertainty prevails as there is no surety that how economies will manage when the central bank support is withdrawn. Moreover none of the financial centers have managed to meet inflation targets which they were all so vocal about.

Adding to the uncertainty is the issue that three of the world’s four most important central bank chiefs are nearing the end of their terms and may be well replaced. The rally in the gold price and fall in the dollar is just the first indication with how markets feel about such changes.

Gold held steady on Monday, but hovered near a one-week low hit in the previous session, as largely upbeat U.S. economic data reinforced the prospects of another rate hike by the Federal Reserve next month.

U.S. jobs growth accelerated in October, although wage growth was tepid, adding to the Fed’s assessment last week that “the labor market has continued to strengthen”, with the sluggish wage data doing little to change expectations.

JP Morgan Chase & Co on Friday raised its forecast on the number of U.S. interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve next year to four from three as the October payrolls data reinforced the view of a tightening domestic labor market.

Markets are increasingly confident the Fed will hike interest rates in December, which has weighed on the precious metals complex,

Higher interest rates tend to boost the dollar and push bond yields up, putting pressure on gold prices by increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

The Federal Reserve looks likely to raise interest rates, and that should bring up the value of the US dollar in general. If that’s the case, then gold could roll over a bit. Ultimately, this is a market that will continue to be just as mixed up as many others are right now, as we do not know with any type of certainty that the Federal Reserve is going to do one thing or the other.

Analysts said the yellow metal could also find support after U.S. President Donald Trump, who kicked off a 12-day Asia trip, looked to present a united front with Japan against North Korea.
Moreoverdemand for gold is likely to rise not only in the domestic market butinternationally too.
While we see the onset of the wedding season in India, normally winter is also a good time for gold globally with men buying their significant others jewellery for Christmas and lots of New Year’s Day marriage proposals

This rise in demand is expected tousher in renewed interest for bullion in coming week.

Monday 30 October 2017

Rally expected in gold in near future

Gold’s rally this year came to a halt in September. And the prices continued to weaken in October mainly due to higher US nominal and US real yields. The yellow metal fell from $1357 an ounce to $1260 on 6thOctober, thus signalling markets that the rally in gold prices has almost ended.

Post the decline, gold prices in October have stabilised. During the past week, gold prices declined by mid-week and then rose again on Thursdayamid a weaker dollar and equity market sell-off, while market participants turned their attention to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy meeting.

The spot gold price was quoted at $1,280.20-1,280.50 per oz, up $1.45 from the previous session’s close.

The decline in equities helped turn around a sell-off in the gold market, as investors pushed back into safe-haven assets. Moreover a simultaneous fall in the US dollar also pushed the demand for gold.

Even though gold prices rose on Thursday and Friday, the week ended on a negative note for gold. Gold prices were down for the second consecutive week with the precious metal off by .75% to trade at 1270 ahead of the New York close on Friday. The losses come amid continued strength in the U.S. Dollar as it gained due to a sharp sell-off in the Euro after a dovish ECB President Mario Draghi suggested that interest rates would likely remain at present levels for "an extended period of time" after the QE program ends.



The broader bid in the U.S. dollar as markets factor in a more hawkish Fed chairperson and with the Fed on track to hike the Fed funds rate by 25 bp in December also weighed on commodities in the past week.

Gold prices were under pressure and the other precious metals are following its lead – again the firmer dollar and potential for more dollar strength, while the geopolitical scene seems calm, are weighing on prices. Needless to say, North Korea also remains a potentially bullish factor.

Gold edged higher on Friday, reversing earlier losses after the Catalonian parliament’s independence declaration from Spain led investors to seek safety from political upheaval.

Catalonia’s declaration was in defiance of the Madrid government, which was preparing to impose direct rule over the region.

Bullion is often used as a safe haven in times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, while riskier assets such as equities are generally sold off.

Though gold managed to reach a session high of$1271 per ounce, it couldn’t sustain the strengthening US dollar and hence headed for its second weekly decline.

However, markets are still bullish for gold as the yellow metal is expected to rise to $1,350 an ounce between January and March 2018, and end the year with a more positive performance, as rates are expected to average at $1,450 an ounce.

The longer-term trend in gold prices is also positive, mainly because we markets are negative on the US dollar.

Coming to this week, a decline in gold prices can be expected as gold is expected to weaken over a strong UD dollar.

Currently, all eyes fall on the Fed with the FOMC rate decision slated for Wednesday. While no change to the benchmark rate is expected, traders will be looking for any changes to the accompanying statement- specifically as it pertains to the inflationary outlook. Keep in mind markets have largely priced in a December hike with Fed Fund Futures currently showing an 87.1% probability for an increase of 25bps. However with both 3Q GDP and the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) coming in stronger-than-expected on Friday, the question now becomes the future pace of subsequent rate-hikes.

Thursday 21 September 2017

FOMC Meet breaks down gold

It is rather remarkable to think that less than a month ago, gold shot up on the back of a missile firing in North Korea and the assorted baggage that came with that. The market was scared and gold was the major beneficiary. Now here we are, with the price of gold almost fifty dollars lower, but nothing has really changed. Trump is threatening total annihilation of North Korea, to which I am sure Kim Jong Un will have something to say or do. And now in addition to that, the US President is picking another fight, this time with Iran, with inflammatory comments at the UN yesterday. It does indeed seem that the markets have very, very short memories. But among all this, this week’s focus shifted to the much awaited FOMC meet, its concluding statement and what the Fed would say about balance sheet reduction.





On Nov 25, 2008 The Fed announced it would begin buying assets for its own account to save the world. In Oct 2014, The Fed ended its QE3 buying program but continued to reinvest the proceeds to maintain its $4.4 trillion balance sheet. Today, Janet Yellen announced the balance sheet will be allowed to normalize, with reinvestment slowed/stopped starting in October.

Let take a quick look at the key highlights over the Feds statements of the meet:

  • Hurricanes are unlikely to change economy’s course medium term
  • Economic activity has risen moderately and job market has strengthened
  • Rates kept unchanged as Fed plans balance sheet runoff in October
  • Fed signals another hike in 2017 and 3 more in 2018


As expected, the Fed announced it will begin reducing bond reinvestment's, starting by $10 billion per month and growing to $50 billion.

Gold prices settled higher Wednesday but slipped in electronic trading after the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged

The price of spot gold has cracked back below the $1300 on the run up in the dollar after the FOMC decision. The precious metal is trading at the lowest level since August 28th.

In electronic trading after the Fed statement, prices traded lower at $1,310.70. The central bank said it will taper its $4.5 trillion balance sheet by $10 billion per month, the first reduction in nine years. Meanwhile, the Fed's interest rate projections, known as the dot plot, suggested a rate hike in December and three more in 2018.

A spill over effect of this meeting was clearly seen on gold as it broke the important trading level of $1300.

Tuesday 19 September 2017

Wait, Watch and Then Work

In 2016, gold was seen climbing 6% from $1050 to $1150 and another 10% gain during the first half of this year, in July and again in early August, gold prices dropped down to $1210, before rallying back up both times to $1290 and $1350 per ounce respectively. This back and forth price action has some investors worried if this is a real bull market in gold or yet another flash in the pan for the coveted yellow metal?

Reasons being more than one, Investors arereturning to gold again to prudently diversify their stock-heavy portfolios.  That’s very bullish for gold, as investment capital inflows can persist for months or even years.  This shift is most evident in the yellow metal.



There are a couple of issues pushing and pulling at the market. The reaction to the missile launch last week has been a bit negated by that better-than-expected (US) inflation number.

Spot gold slipped on Friday, shrugging off North Korea's latest missile launch over Japan, with strong US inflation data raising the spectre of another interest rate hike.

Let’s have a look as to how each factor was responsiblefor this wave like movement in gold prices.

North Korea - North Korea fired a missile on Friday that flew over Japan's northern island of Hokkaido far out into the Pacific Ocean, South Korean and Japanese officials said, further ratcheting up tensions after Pyongyang's recent test of a powerful nuclear bomb.

US Data - Geopolitical risks can boost demand for safe-haven assets such as gold and the Japanese yen. The yen slipped against the dollar on Friday, after earlier having risen on the news, with the greenback supported by strong US consumer inflation data.

Gold pared losses after data on Friday showed U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in August and industrial output dropped for the first time since January due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey.
Friday's numbers were in contrast to strong U.S. inflation data on Thursday which increased prospects of an interest rate hike in December.The Fed's next monetary policy meeting begins on Sept. 19 and now the marketis increasingly focusing on the Federal Reserve and its probability of another rate hike this year.

The Fed has a 2 per cent inflation target, and a series of subdued inflation readings have dampened expectations for further rate rises in the near term. Firming inflation could support the case for another rate hike. Interest rates tend to boost the dollar and push bond yields up, putting pressure on gold.

ECB - Gold fell on Friday after a European Central Bank official called for scaling back the bank's stimulus programme; although losses were capped when weaker than expected U.S. economic data raised questions about further rate hikes.

ECB board member Sabine Lautenschlaeger made the most explicit call so far from an ECB policymaker for paring the bank's 2.3 trillion euros money-printing programme.

Data showing that euro zone wages grew at their fastest rate in two years in the second quarter bolstered the case for reining in ECB stimulus.

This was rather a bad news for gold because this continues the trend of the market pricing in the normalization of monetary policy.

But he said there had already been plenty of headlines about the ECB planning an exit from its bond buying and the U.S. Federal Reserve reducing its balance sheet after its big quantitative easing programme.

Those "normalisation" actions by central banks tend to drive rates higher, push bond yields up and put pressure on gold, a non-yielding asset.

Summing it up, though the previous week saw gold moving like a see saw; the focus now shifts to the important FOMC meet due on 19th September. Wait, Watch and then Work would be the only trading tip for the time being.

Tuesday 12 September 2017

Strong Rally in Gold Prices RSBL

We have seen gold nearing a 1 year high over the past few months. But what has supported this rally for the yellow metal? 

Lately, uncertainty in many forms has played a key role. This past week's nuclear test in North Korea shook investors, sending them fleeing to safe-haven investments such as gold. In addition, uncertainties over Congress's ability to pass corporate tax reforms, which are being counted on to boost U.S. GDP growth, have some pundits favouring gold relative to stock-based equities.
Last Friday, the spot gold price was trading at $1,352.50/1,352.90 per oz, up $5.2 from the previous trading day’s close. 

Gold prices were well-bid on Friday September 8 as weaker-than-expected US economic data and the ECB’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged, as well as continued geopolitical risks, maintained pressure on the dollar.




Let’s take c closer look at all the influences- 

US Dollar-Uncertainty and lower-than-expected inflation rates have been doing a number on the U.S. dollar. In recent weeks, the dollar hit multiyear lows against the euro and at least one-year lows against a handful of other major currencies. 

In recent months the dollar has suffered from multiple issues forcing it lower against other major currencies, including political failures, multiple climate-related disasters, geopolitical tensions and weak inflation in the US.

The latter, in particular, has made it more difficult for the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to justify hiking interest rates

The dollar index on Friday morning was down 0.08 to 91.45. Overnight US jobless claims surged to a two-year high because of Hurricane Harvey, which raised doubts over further US interest rate hikes in December.

The dollar and gold usually move in opposite directions, meaning the dollar's weakness has been a green light for gold investors.

ECB Meet- ECB policymakers indicated at their meeting overnight that the European central bank was not intending to weaken the common European currency, which is expected to support euro performance in the short-term. The ECB maintained rates and upgraded its growth forecast this year by 0.3ppt to 2.2%, but maintained its 2018-19 forecasts.

Hurricane- Meanwhile gold prices jumped today morning as an earthquake off the coast of Mexico added to the hurricane damage in the Caribbean and US east coast in driving demand for the traditional safe haven.

U.S Data- The tally was the highest level for initial claims since April 18, 2015, when it was also 298,000, the government said. 

Consensus expectations compiled by various news organizations called for initial claims to be around 241,000 to 242,000. The government left the prior week’s tally at the previously reported 236,000.
Gold prices rose after a Labor Department report Thursday showing that initial weekly U.S. jobless claims surged by 62,000 to a seasonally adjusted 298,000, with the government citing the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

Geopolitical tensions- Geopolitical risks also remain at front of mind, with the USA pushing hard for additional sanctions against North Korea. This kept safe-haven buying relatively strong 

Persistent North Korean tensions and general US dollar weakness propelled gold $15 higher to new 2017 highs overnight, touching $1,249.98 and closing just below at $1,249.50. 

Geopolitical events have boosted precious metals prices. Gold prices continue to push higher, underpinned by geopolitical concerns over North Korea. For any further escalation in the on-going tensions, gold is likely to remain in demand. 

FOMC Meet and Interest Rate Hike-A combination of stubbornly low core inflation and rising doubts about the Trump administration’s ability to pass new legislation has been underpinning the situation. 

Specifically, the failure of high asset prices and strong labour market growth to pass through into underlying inflation is bringing into question how much further the FOMC will be able to lift rates in the near term. While the healthcare bill fiasco and lack of detail around both tax reform and infrastructure spending have underlined the difficulty of turning rhetoric into reality when it comes to shifting growth onto a higher structural path. In consequence, markets have been remarkably sanguine about the FOMC’s anticipated announcement of balance sheet reduction at their September 20th meeting and are now only pricing 25% chance of another hike by year-end.

Prices are closing in on last year’s highs so some nervous profit-taking may emerge, leading to choppy trading, but the combination of North Korea, a weak dollar and low treasury yields are all supportive. Silver and platinum may well follow gold, but palladium prices that are already elevated, may struggle more.

Although this combination of factors clearly presents a constructive cyclical backdrop for gold prices, the extent of the recent rally has surpassed what can be explained by just US rates and the weak dollar. 

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Bullish sentiments for gold

Gold for the week ended with a good sign, as it posted gains in the Friday session, continuing the upward movement we saw on Thursday.

In the North American session, gold was seen trading at $1323.74, up 0.18% on the day. This rise was seen post the release of the labor report told prices have enjoyed a strong week, gaining 1.9%.
The metal showed some strong gains earlier on Friday, as the metal touched a daily high of $1329.05, its highest level since November 2016. These gains were triggered by the disappointing non farm payrolls and wage growth reports for August, both of which missed their estimates.

On the release front, US job numbers were unexpectedly soft. Non farm payrolls slowed to 156 thousand, well below the estimate of 180 thousand. Wage growth also disappointed, as Average Hourly Earnings posted a small gain of 0.1%, shy of the estimate of 0.2%.


Although the US labor market remains tight, investors are fretting about the lack of wage growth, which has contributed to the low inflation which continues to hamper the US economy.

The Federal Reserve will also be perturbed by small wage growth, as a December rate hike is very much in doubt due to inflation levels which obstinately remain well below the Fed's inflation target of 2.0%. Currently, the likelihood of a December rate hike stands at just 36%

Gold is traditionally considered a safe-haven asset, and often benefits when investors get jittery and lose their risk appetite. Such was the case last week, as renewed tensions between the US and North Korea early in the week propelled the metal above the symbolic $1300 level.

On Tuesday, North Korea fired a missile over Japanese territory, drawing sharp condemnations from Japan and the US, with President Trump declaring that "all options remain on the table"

In times of uncertainty or crisis, investors typically take refuge in “safe” options like the Swiss franc, gold or the US dollar, but under President Donald Trump the greenback has lost its lustre, especially to the euro.

Although, tensions have since eased somewhat, if North Korea decides to fire another missile towards Japan or the US military base on Guam, gold prices will likely move higher. As well, as the markets digest the disappointing job numbers, we could see risk appetite continue to wane early next week, which could extend the current gold rally.

The reaction to the lackluster U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report suggests gold will continue to exhibit a bullish behavior ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) interest rate decision on September 20 as mixed data prints coming out of the economy sap bets for another rate-hike in 2017. Even though ‘the Committee expects to begin implementing its balance sheet normalization program relatively soon,’ the fresh forecasts from Chair Janet Yellen and Co. may ultimately heighten the appeal of gold if central bank officials attempt to buy more time and project a more shallow path for the Fed Funds rate.

In turn, U.S. Treasury Yields may stay depressed throughout the remainder of the year, and the precious metal may continue to retrace the decline from 2016 amid the shift in trader behaviour.
Weak U.S. economic data has effectively removed the Fed’s prospective rate rise scenario from the gold price equation – at least for a couple of months although may have an impact in November as speculation will reign over whether the Fed will implement another small rise in December, or kick the can down the road again.  The U.S. dollar is looking weak and a weak dollar tends to see the dollar gold price rise. And it is the dollar gold price which the market judges to be the most important indicator, even though the gold price in other currencies, like the euro or the yen, should perhaps be more relevant.

The seemingly increasing threat of war between North Korea and the USA, will likely give the gold price a huge boost in the days and months ahead with safe haven demand escalating worldwide – and particularly in Asia and the U.S. itself.

Thursday 24 August 2017

Weekly Gold Forecast


The week began on a silent note for precious metals. Gold was up +0.1% which probably reflects a lull in the haven demand as investors appear risk-on at the beginning of the week. It was strange to see that demand for the yellow metal wasn’t much despite of the on-going geopolitical tensions.

OVER THE WEEKEND, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned of a second “Korean War” as US- South Korea military exercises, viewed as “reckless behavior” by the North Korean leader. But reactions in the market were contradictory as the market layers stayed calm. Hence the news which could have had strongly pushed gold prices further proved to be non-influential for gold.



After a firm price movement on Monday, precious metals were more or less stable on Tuesday morns. Spot gold prices were down by 0.2% at $1287.90.

On Wednesday, Gold prices edged slightly higher after news that sales of new U.S. single-family homes fell by 9.4% in July to a seasonally adjusted and annualized pace of 571,000, which was below forecasts.

Consensus estimates compiled by various news organizations called for sales to be around 610,000 to 620,000. The Commerce Department revised sales for June upward to 630,000 from the originally reported 610,000.

Apart from the geo political tension, the focus now shifts on host of global economic data that will be released throughout the week

Monday 17 July 2017

Dovish Fed Comments positive for Gold

It’s quite strange that 10 days back the key influential factor that pulled gold prices down was responsible for the rise in gold prices in the past 5 days. Yes rate hike!!!!.

The precious jobs reports brought mixed sentiments for gold traders as there wasn’t really anything in this number which was going to put the brakes or fasten an interest rate hike.

But what played positive for gold was the statement realized by Fed Chairman, Janet Yellen post the data released on Friday.



The surge in gold prices came after a Friday report on consumer prices showed that inflation in June came in flat, a sign that consumer prices had trouble sustaining its upward momentum. A weaker-than-expected reading for June’s retail sales, which fell 0.2%, also signal led weakness. Economists polled by Market Watch had forecast a 0.1% increase. Market participants said the lack of spending from U.S. shoppers made it difficult to envision inflation approaching the Fed’s 2% target.

Gold prices on Friday marked the highest finish of the month and their first weekly rise since early June, as data on retail sales and inflation stoked concerns that the pace of economic growth may not merit lifting U.S. interest rates again in 2017.

U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in June and retail sales fell for a second straight month, pointing to tame inflation and soft domestic demand that diminished prospects of a third interest rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year.

The U.S. data bolstered expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would likely to move slowly to continue raising interest rates in the absence of inflation signs. Some had been expecting another rate hike in 2017, however Fed Chair Janet Yellen's comments to the U.S. Congress this week was more dovish than originally anticipated.

Activity was muted ahead of a speech by US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen later in the day which could give clues on the Fed's attitude towards inflation, and on when the US central bank will start reducing its $4.5-trillion balance sheet. That would likely push up bond yields, boosting the opportunity cost of holding bullion, and pushing gold lower.

But, in a testimony to the Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen had signal led a gradual approach to future rate hikes, which pushed down the dollar and boosted the appeal of the precious metal.

The disappointing U.S. retail sales and inflation data has now seen the odds of another rate hike fall below 50% this year which  has further boosted the appeal of low- and non interest-bearing assets on a relative basis, hence the  market witnessed  breakdown in [the U.S. dollar/Japanese yen] and breakout in gold.

The latest economic data may be viewed as providing insufficient support for the Fed to lift interest rates at least once more in 2017 and shrink its $4.5 trillion balance sheet—an act that can also serve to lift rates and tighten economic conditions.

The next big thing for traders is the upcoming ECB monetary policy  meeting to be held on July 20 in Frankfurt and that certainly has an ability to bring another episode of taper tantrum. 

Tuesday 14 March 2017

The sentiments for Gold are bullish

Gold prices have fallen 5.3% from the end of February high and they have almost given back 50% of the December to February gains

Gold prices slipped towards week low on Thursday as investors awaited the employment report due on Friday, a factor that would unofficially strengthen the interest rate hike in the FOMC meet next week.


Gold’s latest pull down followed the release of better-than-expected US private jobs data midweek, boosting the dollar ahead of the release of official monthly payrolls figures on Friday.


  • Private employment, which excludes government agencies, rose by 227,000 after a 221,000 increase the prior month. It was the biggest gain since July. Construction jobs, which can fluctuate depending on the weather, rose by 58,000, the strongest in almost a decade, and followed a 40,000 increase in January. Manufacturing payrolls gained 28,000, matching the most since August 2013. Meanwhile, retail positions fell by 26,000, the most in four years.
  • The ECB held its benchmark refinancing rate at 0% and left the pace of its bond purchases unchanged on March 9th, as widely expected. Both the deposit rate and the lending rate were also left steady at 0.4% and 0.25%, respectively.
  • The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits went up by 20000 to 243000 in the week ended March 4th 2017, slightly above expectations of 235000.
  • 2008 Nonfarm business sector labor productivity in the United States increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2016, following a downwardly revised 3.3 percent rise in the previous period and below market expectations of a 1.5 percent gain.


While unseasonably warm weather may have boosted the payrolls count, the data represent President Donald Trump’s first full month in office and overlap with a surge in economic buoyancy following his election victory. The figures also corroborate recent comments by Federal Reserve officials that flagged a likely interest-rate increase this month.

Bullion’s being pulled back down toward $1,200 an ounce in the worst losing run since October as positive US economic data underpinned expectations that interest rates could probably be raised several times this year, starting with a hike next week.

After raising rates just a single time in 2015 and also in 2016, the pace may quicken this year. The so-called dot plot from Fed policy makers shows an expectation for three increases this year, and last Friday, Yellen dropped hints the bank might end up having to hike them more than planned in 2017.

After Wednesday’s upbeat private payrolls data, markets were pointing towards more than 90 % chances of rate hike in March meeting; gold prices are likely to face the weakness amidst the strength in the dollar. Separately, the weaker CPI released from China is also likely to put pressure on gold, given the fact that gold is considered as a hedge against inflation.

Gold prices slipped on Friday, building on a loss for the week as better-than-expected U.S. employment data backs the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will decide to boost interest rates at its meeting next week.

Higher interest rates lift the appeal of holding dollars. That also means that a stronger dollar cuts the worth of holding non-yielding gold that’s priced in this denomination.

We see this sell-off as tied into the increased chance of a US rate rise next week. Looking further out, sentiments for the yellow metal are bullish.


Wednesday 1 March 2017

Effect of Presidential Election and BREXIT on Bullion Market

So Far, bullion has witnessed a 9.6 percent rise in prices mainly due to the prevailing political uncertainty over Trump’s unorthodoxy, European elections and Brexit ruffle confidence.
The yellow metal reached near a four month high last week amid intensified political uncertainty in the U.S. and the EU.

All precious metals have made gains, gold, silver, platinum and palladium, as both the euro and the dollar weakened over the week. Let's take a look as to what factors contributed to the rise and how far an important role will they play in the near future.

US uncertainty- Gold prices have hit a four month high to reaching their highest level since Donald Trump won the election.


The metal is considered as a safe haven asset for money and values rise when markets are in turmoil or in times of uncertainty. This sentiment has raised the demand for gold especially from investors thus pushing  its prices higher.

As markets await a major speech by US president Donald Trump, we saw equates retreating and dollar hesitating thus strengthening gold prices and shaking off most of the losses incurred following the surprise election result, as markets continue to unwind Trump trade.

Fed Rate Hike- Last Wednesday's release of minutes from the last FOMC meeting on January 31 – February 1 struck a slightly more hawkish tone as Fed members discussed the appropriateness of another rate hike 'fairly soon.' concerns over the risks and uncertainties surrounding the Trump Administration's fiscal stimulus plans as well as a strengthening US dollar tempered that hawkish stance. In the end, markets were once again left with continued ambiguity regarding the pace of monetary policy tightening in the coming months. Indeed, the Fed Fund futures market still saw a low percentage probability of a March rate hike – in the high-teens to low-20's – a day after release of the FOMC minutes. This sustained policy uncertainty helped weigh on the dollar while boosting the price of gold further. Reduced expectations of a US rate hike in March following the release of the minutes from the US Federal Reserve's last meeting are also helping gold.

EU elections- Despite the virtually relentless rally in US and global equity markets, geopolitical risks continued to abound, particularly in Europe. Article 50, which officially begins the process of separation between the UK and European Union ('Brexit'), is slated to be triggered no later than in March. A former European Commission official has recently stated that the triggering of Article 50 could lead to a 'complete breakdown' of UK/EU relations.

Additionally, France's far-right, anti-EU presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen, is leading in polls for the first round of the upcoming French elections. Although she is not currently favored to win against frontrunner Emmanuel Macron, any surprise victory by the populist/nationalist Le Pen will undoubtedly lead to serious questions about the future of the EU.

Geopolitical worries and political concerns in the EU continue which is leading a flight to safety bid in gold futures market and gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) and demand for safe haven gold bullion.

Dollar- The dollar looks vulnerable due to the uncertainty about US President Donald Trump and the new U.S. administration's policies. Overnight Trump attacked China and accused the Chinese of being ‘grand champions’ of currency manipulation.

This alone is quite bullish for gold. It does not create confidence about trade relations between the world's two biggest economies and it suggests that we may be about to embark on the next phase of the global currency wars.

The US president is to deliver his first speech to US Congress next week, after US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said the impact of fiscal stimulus this year on the economy might be limited.

Amid these uncertainties in Europe as well as those in the US under the Trump Administration's still-hazy policy trajectory and the Fed's murky monetary policy, gold has continued to extend its sharp uptrend that began after price bottomed out around the $1125 support area in late December.

Monday 13 February 2017

GOLD STABILISES AMIDST UNCERTAINTIES

While when gold was just about to continue to maintain its 3 month high last week, there was a sudden pull back and gold prices moved lower by the end of the week.

Gold steadied on Friday, but remained below the week's three-month top as the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields came off their highs after the currency initially jumped on U.S. President Donald Trump's promise of a major tax announcement.


Gold was being pushed and pulled amidst various factors that played key roles in influencing gold prices-

Interest Rate - Gold slid on Thursday from a three-month high in the previous session after strong U.S. economic data pointed to a robust economy, increasing the possibility that the Federal Reserve will raise U.S. interest rates.
U.S. economic data has also strengthened talk that the Federal Reserve would press ahead with U.S. interest rate hikes sooner rather than later.
Gold is highly sensitive to rising U.S. interest rates which increases the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion while boosting the dollar  in which it is priced.

Dollar and Data - U.S. economic data also underpinned the dollar. Initial jobless claims unexpectedly dropped last week to a nearly 43-year low, while inventories at wholesalers surged in December for a second straight month. U.S. import prices rose more than expected in January.
The data showing rising U.S. wholesale inventories and an unexpectedly low number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits further pushed up the dollar and U.S. bond yields.                        
A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, while higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Higher interest rates would lift yields further.
           
Tax Announcement - Donald Trump plans to announce the most ambitious tax reform plan since the Reagan era in the next few weeks, the White House said.
On Thursday, sending stock prices and the dollar higher on hopes leading to a cut in corporate tax rates.

French Elections - Investors are concerned about the strong showing in the French presidential race of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who has promised to take France out of the euro zone and to hold a referendum on European Union membership.

Gold held near 3-month highs on Thursday as political risks from elections in Europe and worries over U.S. President Donald Trump's policies buoyed safe haven demand for the bullion.

While gold was stabilised by Friday. It was still amongst the favourites for investors. Many of them are being bullish for gold – Reasons being :

  • Controversy over U.S. President Donald Trump's temporary travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries has recently boosted gold as a safe-haven asset.
  • Further geo-political uncertainties, increasing hostilities in the Ukraine, Greek bailouts, French elections, Iran-U.S. sabre-rattling have supported gold prices and drawn interest from investors who seek support in safe haven assets.
  • Investors' bullish stance on gold is reinforced by an increase in net longs by speculators and a rise in holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund. (SPDR holdings rose 0.68 percent to 832.58 tonnes on Wednesday from Tuesday, rising for a sixth straight session.)

Increasing uncertainties has increased the demand for gold as a hedge. Amidst all this, gold prices are expected to rise till Mid Feb. Once January CPI data is released, it will give an idea about the possibility of a rate hike in March which will then be a deciding factor in the movement of gold prices.

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Push vs Pull for GOLD

Last week, gold clocked its largest weekly gain in some seven months. The move came higher as investors flocked to gold, which is often viewed as a safe-haven investment in times of uncertainty.
Last Thursday, markets kept a close watch in the Jobs report that was due on Friday. Apart from the Job report there were many other highlighted events in the week-

Jobs Data- U.S. job growth surged more than expected in January as construction firms and retailers ramped up hiring, but wages barely rose, handing the administration under President Donald Trump, both a head start and a challenge as it seeks to boost the economy.


This report pushed gold prices higher and the sentiments have been continued for this week too.
The gold price climbed on Monday to its highest in nearly three months with investor interest in bullion improving thanks to a subdued dollar and political worries about the US and Europe.
Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,226.91 during trading hours, having earlier touched $1,230.14, a level last reached on November 17.

Political Uncertainty- Majorly, the current uncertainty prevailing in the US is being driven further by President Donald Trump’s policies, the most controversial of which is a temporary ban on immigrants from seven Muslim countries.

Moreover, Data on Friday showed U.S. wage growth slowed, reducing the odds of Federal Reserve rate increases this year and sending bullion to the biggest weekly gain since June. Uncertainty about Trump’s fiscal-stimulus policies and his administration’s spats with traditional allies helped push hedge funds’ bullish bets on gold to the most in almost two months.

Dollar - The dollar’s value against a basket of currencies has fallen nearly 4% since January 3. That was partly on expectations that the US central bank will wait to see what happens on the political and economic fronts after Friday’s monthly jobs report showed that wages barely rose. "Gold’s solid showing so far this year ... is mostly attributable to a weaker dollar and last week’s standoffish Federal Reserve statement with regard to when it would next move on rates. Trump has also criticized the strength of the dollar, which has pushed the greenback lower. A weaker dollar is good for gold as gold is denominated in U.S. dollars.

French politics - Elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany this year are also adding to jitters. Apart from the Trump presidency euphoria, investors are also watching French politics, where conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon on Monday vowed to fight on for the presidency despite a damaging scandal involving taxpayer-funded payments to his wife for work which a newspaper alleges she did not do. French pollster Opinion way published a survey on Monday that showed independent Emannual Macron resoundingly winning a presidential election runoff against far-right leader Marine LePen.

Interest rate hike - The Fed raised rates for only the second time since the financial crisis in December and most Fed policymakers agree with Harker that three more rate hikes this year would be appropriate. Wall Street banks and interest-rate futures traders are betting the Fed will only lift borrowing costs twice this year, starting in June.

Currently there is basket of positive and negative factors that might respectively push or pull gold prices further. Of course the positive factors for gold could indeed be overturned by a significant improvement In US employment statistics, or advances in GDP, thus strengthening the Fed’s hand, but if the dollar continues to fall (President Trump appears to think it is too high) and real interest rates remain negative, gold could yet have a good way to run this year, particularly given the global geopolitical uncertainties noted above.

Tuesday 31 January 2017

Trump policy under trouble as Gold goes weaker against Dollar

Gold prices crawled higher on Monday on a weaker dollar and as uncertainty over US policy under President Donald Trump stoked safe-haven demand, although gains were curbed with many in Asia on holiday for the Lunar New Year, said Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director of RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited.

Spot gold had edged up 0.1 per cent to $1,191.98 per ounce by 0735 GMT, while US gold futures were up 0.24 per cent at $1,191.2.


Trump's administration on Sunday tempered a key element of his move to ban entry of refugees and people from seven Muslim-majority countries in the face of mounting criticism and protests in major American cities.

Some of Trump's statements and a lack of detail on policy have led some investors to opt for gold, often seen as an alternative investment in times of geopolitical and financial uncertainty.

The executive order signed by Trump has raised the uncertainty even higher.
The upturn in safe-haven buying comes at a time when physical demand has been sapped due to the Lunar New Year holiday in Asia, added Kothari.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, was down 0.12 per cent at 100.410.

The market for the precious metal has also been buoyed by sluggish US economic data released on Friday.

Economic growth in the country slowed sharply in the fourth quarter as a plunge in shipments of soybeans weighed on exports, the data showed.

"That puts just enough doubt into the industry's mind about the timing of (US interest) rate hikes," Hynes said.

Meanwhile, holdings of the largest gold-backed exchange-traded-fund (ETF), New York's SPDR Gold Trust GLD, remained unchanged on Thursday from Wednesday.

Speculators crimped their net long position in gold futures and options, following two straight weeks of increases, data showed. They also raised their silver holdings to the highest since early November.

Spot silver was up 0.23 per cent at $17.16 per ounce.

Platinum shed 0.14 per cent to $980.75 per ounce, while palladium dropped 0.5 per cent to $732.4 per ounce. Palladium touched its lowest since Jan. 4 at $708.97 an ounce in the previous session.


Thursday 12 January 2017

2017 - SURPRISES TO UNFOLD FOR GOLD : RSBL

Until Wednesday last week, gold was trading in positive territory continuing the rally from the previous session.

The spot gold price was quoted at $1,164.85/1,165.15 per oz, up $8.05 on the previous close.


There were many supporting factors for gold’s rally-

  • Mainly all the uncertainty that lies ahead with the changeover in the US administration 
  • Brexit 
  • The weakening trend in the yuan. 
On Friday last week, gold slipped following the release of strong US employment data which was as follows-
  • The USA added 156,000 jobs in December, compared with 204,000 in November, while wages grew 2.9% year-on-year to reach a seven-year high.
  • German industrial production climbed 0.4%, which was down from the 0.7% expected, while the country’s trade balance climbed more than expected. 
  • The non-farm employment change for December showed 156,000 Americans entered the workforce, a slight miss from the 175,000 forecast.
  • However, the figure for the previous month was revised up 19,000 jobs and the headline unemployment figure came in as expected at 4.7%.
  • The big surprise was that average hourly earnings grew by 0.4% month-on-month, bringing total wage growth to 2.9% for the year and the highest level since before the recession.


Gold prices were in positive territory in London on the morning of Monday January 9, recovering slightly from last week’s drop.

The spot gold price was recently quoted at $1,176.20/1,176.50 per oz, up $3.40 on the previous close. Trade has ranged from $1,172.50 to $1,178.75. Gold prices edged up in a technical rebound on Monday after one-month highs hit last week were undercut by the prospects of more interest rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve.

US employment increased less than expected in December but a rebound in wages pointed to sustained labour market momentum that sets up the economy for stronger growth and the prospect of further interest rate increases this year.

Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans said on Friday the central bank could raise interest rates three times this year, faster than he had expected just a few months ago.

Evans and other regional Fed presidents are scheduled to speak this week, and the outlook for U.S. rates may become even clearer when Chair Janet Yellen appears at a webcast town hall meeting with educators on Thursday.

Expectations of US interest rate hikes lowers demand for the non-interest-paying bullion.
Apart from a rate hike the most discussed r rather the most awaited topic currently is the fiscal stimulus that Trump is promising and, of course, inflation.

Despite the rebound in the dollar, gold prices are holding up well – all thanks to the safe haven move by investors, just ahead of the shift in US administration.

By the end of 2016 or rather post the 2016 US election, confidence in the global markets was running high thus propelling gold to lose its safe haven appeal. But 2017 has lot of uncertainties and surprises to unfold for gold which will once again get into the investors basket keeping in the mind its appeal as a safe haven asset in times of global uncertainties.

In the week ahead, investors will be looking ahead to US economic reports, particularly Friday’s retail sales figures for December. Investors will also be watching an appearance by Fed Chair Janet Yellen on Thursday and speeches by a handful of other Fed officials during the week, as well as President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday for a press conference.

Now investors await the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump to see what the volatile leader will implement once in office.

Thursday 29 December 2016

Gold stabilises around $1130

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) on Wednesday December 14 raised interest rates to a range of 0.5-0.75% from 0.25-0.5%, which was widely anticipated and was largely priced in by commodities and equities.

Modestly analysts believe that higher interest rates in the USA are not expected to have much of an impact on metal markets unless it reaches 2%.

And while higher rates could cause issues if they are raised too quickly or too high, this is not an immediate threat.

The markets have somewhat calmed down with gold hovering near $1130 an ounce.



Gold was trading calm in London on Thursday December 22 – where prices are stuck around $1,130 per oz while many investors are side-lined as the end of the year approaches.

It’smore of a holiday mood where US and Chinese markets willremain shut for Christmas. And hence business and liquidity is expected to dry up till New Year.

The spot gold price was recently indicated at $1,130.25/1,130.45 per oz, down $0.60 on Wednesday’s close.

Later on, prices fluctuated in a nominal range following important data realised during the week.

This week’s highlights were as follows-
  • The US final third quarter GDP growth was revised upwards to 3.5% from 3.2% and
  • Core durable goods orders increased 0.5% month-on-month in November, which was better than the forecast of 0.2%.
  • Durable goods orders fell 4.6% month-on-month in November, still better than expectations of a 4.9% drop.
  • Weekly unemployment claims, however, came in at 275,000 above consensus of 255,000.
  • The November core PCE price index was flat against the forecast of 0.1%
  • Personal spending was at 0.2% below expectations of 0.4%.
  • CB leading index and personal income were both unchanged in November, and below their forecast of 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
  • The US government bond market strengthened slightly on Wednesday, with the 10-year US bond yield closing at 2.53%, down from a recent peak of 2.60% last week.
The latest [US] data which has both positive and negative reflects the state of the current US economy. Taking into consideration the outlook for the US economy, future US economic data should trend towards improvement. This could provide some downward pressure for gold and silver.

Recent strong US macroeconomic data and sanguinity over president-elect Donald Trump’s prospective infrastructure spending plans have raised expectations of more interest rate increases in the USA next year. This has also enhanced the US dollar and increased appeal of risk assets like equities, while decreasing the attractiveness of haven assets like gold.

However, he gold price was a touch higher on the morning of Friday December 23 in London, finding some support from bargain hunting before the year-end holidays but lacking sufficient momentum for a marked breakthrough.

The spot gold price managed slight gains during Asian trading hours on Friday December 23 following the release of a range of US data on Thursday.
The momentum for precious metals has slowed but broadermarkets remain tough and positivity for 2017 remains high,

This reflected a moderate decrease in risk appetite on the back of growing political tensions between the US and China after President-elect Trump picked Peter Navarro, a China hawk, to run the US National Trade Council.

Precious metals are expeted to shine next year . Investors may continue to remove their bullish bets to take advantage of positive global risk sentiment and lower volatility across risk asset classes. But the level of contentment in the financial markets may take some participants by surprise early next year, which may trigger a strong rebound across the complex.


Monday 12 December 2016

Gold appeal Fading

Gold hitting newer and newer lows have been a current trend confirming a bearish view on the metal’s safe haven appeal. Reasons begin with:

  1. Death of uncertainties and acceptance of the same as a new norm.
  2. Central banks of the world getting their ticks right to push the economic growth via fiscal and monetary measures.
  3. Physical buying cushion; getting softer.
  4. Massive reduction in geopolitical tensions with UN forces keeping a check on the extremists.



The upcoming FED meeting will give a glimpse to the US economy getting strengthened. Almost a 100% prediction for a Rate cut in this meeting has put a downward pressure on Gold. Over the course of 2017, there is an expectation that interest rates would be raised by the US Federal Reserve.
Meanwhile, US Dollar has gained a lot of attention due to a rise in US treasury yields and US equity markets causing a downward spiral in Gold prices.

Furthermore, if the recent election outcomes and market reactions to them have taught us anything, it’s that nothing is certain in politics, the global economy and the markets. While I say this, I do understand that the investors have used recent Gold rallies to unwind existing long positions and this is treated unhealthy for an asset’s performance.

While domestic prices would be supported by the Rupee weakness, overall Gold in Dollar terms would trader in the range of US$ 1,080 to US$ 1,200, while Silver would trade in the range of US$ 14.70 to US$ 18.20. In Rupee terms a range of INR 28,200 to INR 29,700 is expected for Gold while INR 39,000 to INR 44,000 is expected for Silver.

Monday 5 December 2016

The Most Awaited Fed Meet Of The Year Keeps Markets Alert

Gold had rebounded somewhat last week although it remained below its psychologically important level of $1,200 per oz, suggesting that sentiment has not materially improved.

Gold came off its earlier lows but remained weak during Friday morning trading on December 2 – the near-certainty of a US interest-rate rise this month and an exodus of ETF investors put downward pressure on the market.


The spot gold price was seen trading at $1,176.45/1,176.65 per oz, up $3.35 on Thursday’s close. The metal fell on Thursday to its cheapest since February this year at $1,160.80 per oz.

Market was mainly focused on the US jobs reports, numbers of which would be an important deciding factor for the rate hike. The report was expected to show that 177,000 new non-farming jobs were added in November and unemployment rate forecasted at 4.9%.
Once the number Swere out gold came under pressure. Let’s have a look at the important data released-

  • On Thursday, US final manufacturing PMI in November bested economic consensus at 54.1 – 53.9 was called for. 
  • ISM manufacturing prices and PMI for November both topped projections at 54.5 and 53.2, respectively.
  • October construction spending, however, came in at 0.5% month-on-month, a touch below the 0.6% prediction, while weekly unemployment claims were at 268,000 last week, which was above consensus of 252,000.
  • On Friday non-farm payroll numbers showed that the USA added 178,000 jobs in November, against earlier expectations of around 165,000 and from October’s figure of just 161,000. In addition, unemployment dropped to 4.6% and wages climbed by 2.5%.


The recent spate of positive data is expected to produce higher rates when the US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets on December 13-14 – market participants see a 95% chance of a rate hike during the meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

The Asian physical market has picked up a little thanks to favorable seasonality and a fall in domestic prices. This should limit the downward pressure on international gold prices

This week, gold looks a little stronger because macro drivers have become slightly more favorable for precious metals from a weaker dollar and lower US real rates.
The gold price glided lower during Monday December 5 trading as its earlier push higher failed to hold and it slipped into negative territory.

The yellow metal had found support from its safe haven status after Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was defeated in Sunday’s referendum.

The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet on December 14 – many participants expect an interest-rate rise to be announced, particularly after a run of positive data from the USA.

As of now, gold remains vulnerable ahead of the Fed meeting on December 13-14. Any stronger-than-expected US data is likely to raise the probability that the Fed lifts rates soon, pushing the dollar and US real rates higher, and in turn exerting downward pressure on the gold price.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Roller Coaster Gold ride edges lower as US dollar regains strength

Gold has been witnessing downward pressure since the past two weeks. But in the last week this pressure became so austere that we saw gold dipping to its nine month low below the important$1200 level. At $1180 gold hit its lowest level since early February. Furthermore, Good US economic data, which caused the US dollar to appreciate, had fuelled the next wave of selling on last Thursday noon.

The US dollar index climbed to its highest level since March 2003. Furthermore, US stock 
Markets continued to rise, which suggests on-going high levels of risk appetite among market 
Participants, while yields on ten-year US Treasuries climbed above the 2.4% mark again for 
the first time since July 2015.

The US dollar index has continued to strengthen amid positive US economic data while putting pressure on the gold price. The index had reached as high as 102.05 on Thursday, the highest since March 2003.



In addition, gold ETF’s witnessed massive outflow, thus reducing their holding by 13.7 tonne putting them at a five-month low of only a little over 1,900 tons. This was already the tenth consecutive daily outflow.

During this period, ETFs have had their holdings cut by a total of 101 tons. 

Although gold in euro terms is faring somewhat better thanks to the firm US dollar, at €1,122 per troy ounce it nonetheless fell to its lowest level since early October. 

The spot gold price eased during Asian trading hours on Friday November 25 as a strong US dollar continued to weigh on the yellow metal.

The US was closed for Thanksgiving holiday on Friday which resulted in quieter trading leading into the weekend.

Gold recovered from an earlier nine-month low and moved into positive territory on the morning of Friday November 25 in London, reflecting a pause in the dollar’s rally.

This sentiment continued for this week, giving gold a positive opening on Monday.

Gold was in positive territory on the morning of Monday November 28 in London, with a slightly weaker dollar generally underpinning precious metals prices.

The dollar index was recently at 101.05, having been as high as 102.05 in the previous week, it’s highest since March 2003.

The spot gold price was recently quoted at $1,192.00/1,192.30 per oz, up $8.20 on the previous close. Trade has ranged from $1,187.05 to $1,197.70 so far.

The spot gold price edged lower during Asian trading hours on Tuesday November 29 as the US dollar regained strength.

Growing sense of ‘opportunity cost’ among investors could be behind a surprise fall in the value of gold, after the precious metal failed to live up to its status as an inflation hedge and safe asset.

Softer spot prices may encourage physical demand while the holiday seasons in both Asia and Europe approach.

Before the UD election, gold was expected to trade unpredictably but now that prices have more or lessstabilised, market for gold is expected to be bullish. Moreover, Mr. President has been talking tough on trade which further raises uncertainty and create nervousness in the market thus keeping the bullish trend alive for the yellow metal.

Gold should provide a good hedge against fallout from what political policy changes lay ahead, as well as from any correction in super-charged markets.

The commodity, traditionally regarded as a safe haven for skittish investors, was among those assets viewed as a potential winner in a year marked by significant market shocks and rising inflation expectations – which many now predict during a stimulus-happy Donald Trump presidency.

This sentiment, however, is yet to be borne out by the price of the precious metal. While other hedges such as inflation-linked bonds have performed relatively well, gold has been trending downwards, both in the months leading up to the US election and its aftermath.

Sunday 30 November 2014

TOO MANY ECONOMIES PUTTING PRESSURE ON GOLD?


- Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL


The ones who are constantly in touch with the world markets especially precious metals know that the driving force behind gold and the main reason for its volatility between 2008-2011 has been the:

FOMC’s policy
Falling long term treasuries rates 
Higher risk of economic slowdown 
Fear of inflation. 

Initially all eyes would be glued to the US markets as any one step from this government would create volatility for gold. But nowadays, apart from the US markets it’s the Japanese, Chinese and Euro market that also played an influential role for gold. The economic indicators from these economies have also influenced gold prices to quite some extent.

This week the markets remained calm over the long Thanksgiving holiday, and there was not much volatility for gold and silver in international markets. Interestingly however the gold forwards have tightened significantly in spite of weak physical demand and ETF outflows, down 20k to 51.96 million ounces.

Apart from this the decision on Swiss referendum on gold holdings is also being long waited for. Looking back, Switzerland was the last country in the world to leave the gold standard in 1999 and may be the first to take a major step to becoming a gold-backed currency. One fifth of Switzerland’s 1040 tonnes of gold reserves are in the vaults of The Bank of England while a third are deposited in the Canadian Central Bank.

Under the ‘Save Our Swiss Gold’ initiative the SNB will have to hold at least a fifth of its assets in gold within five years. The bank will also be required to repatriate all Swiss gold held abroad and be banned from selling any of its holdings in future. Speculation that Switzerland could vote in favor of a motion to raise its gold reserves had strengthened prices. But finally on Sunday, a No Vote was passed which could create some ripples in the markets.

During the week, recent strong U.S. data had fueled talks that the Federal Reserve could soon raise interest rates, depressing gold. But the contradictory reports released on Wednesday showed domestic personal spending grew slightly less than forecast in October, while U.S. jobless claims rose to their highest since September and new orders for U.S.made capital goods fell for a second month in October Thus pushing gold prices up. 

Apart from the Swiss and US, data that came in as a surprise package for gold was the easing of curbs from the Indian government. In a move that is likely to bring cheers to traders as well as customers, India eased the restrictions on gold imports by withdrawing the 80:20 schemes.

Under the 80:20 norm, put in place in August 2013 to curb high gold inflows that was widening the current account deficit, at least 20 per cent of the imported gold had to be mandatory exported before bringing in new lots. With this move by RBI, they expected that gold will be kept back at home and thus improve supplies for the domestic market which will further bring gold prices down. Though the policy supported their idea of arresting Current account deficit but in turn created unprecedented growth of illegal channels that support Gold imported in the country. 

This move by RBI is to acknowledge the fact the CAD has reduced and even the Oil price has declined by almost 30% by what it was two months ago. I feel this is a really good move by the government. This will reduce the cost of Gold and procedural issues that the companies were facing with regards to Gold imports. 

Though gold showed mixed trends this week, there are players in the market who still believe that the sentiment for gold is bullish over the longer time frame. 

Following are a few reasons for this belief-
Slowing of the ETF sales and outflow
Seasonal demand from India after the onset of festivals and marriages India has witnessed a 100 tonne plus season consumption of gold. 
Rising demand for gold is expected from China ahead of the Chinese New Year where gold is purchased heavily in the Chinese 
With executive board member Yves Mersch commenting that gold buying could be part of the asset-purchase program, expectations and, therefore, demand may rise due to potential ECB investment in the yellow metal.

So once again it’s the bull v/s the bear market for gold and would be too early to comment. Now we need to wait for the market to further react to the easing of the 80:20 schemes and the Swiss Referendum. 



The primary purpose of this article by Mr. Prithviraj Kothari is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.
- Previous blog - "Lots in Basket For Gold This Week"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2014/11/lots-in-basket-for-gold-in-this-week.html

Sunday 19 October 2014

GOLD TEND TO MOVE SIDE-WAYS

by Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL



As we just thought gold was acting positive and making a comeback, it proves us wrong by the end of Friday.

Gold erased this year’s gains earlier this month on the outlook for higher borrowing costs as the U.S. economy improves. Bullion has since rebounded as the Fed signalled a worldwide economic slowdown may delay interest-rate increases and as equities to commodities slid.

The week was decent enough for gold in the domestic markets, but then internationally showed a sideways performance.

Internationally, gold prices declined after the U.S data reports were in. The better than expected consumer sentiment data lowered gold's safe haven appeal while on the other hand the ongoing concerns over global economic growth and a recovery in global stock markets gave the yellow-metal some support.

Equities and bond yields dropped sharply and the uncertainty over the Fed's hike in interest rates have changed the sentiment for gold from bearish to neutral. Gold showed mixed trends in the week over various economic figures coming in from US

  • U.S retail sales and inflation numbers slumped
  • Core Retail Sales dipped 0.2%, its first decline since April 2013.
  • This indicated to a decline in consumer spending which one of the key indicators of economic growth
  • PPI fell by 0.1%, after a reading of 0.0% a month earlier
  • US Unemployment Claims dropped to 264 thousand, marking a 14 -year low. 
  • Manufacturing numbers were a mix, as Industrial Production gained 1.0%, its best showing since November. 
  • The Philly Fed Manufacturing Index dipped to 20.7 points, but this beat the estimate of 19.9 points.
So it was quite a volatile market for gold and there were several factors responsible for this volatility.


DISAPPOINTING GLOBAL GROWTH AND MIXED US DATA REPORTS-
The global equity drop was induced by the European equities sell-off, which was prompted by the negative August industrial production data from Germany and the market's disappointment with the lack of further monetary announcements by the ECB to fight deflation and a likely recession in Europe. The September U.S. retail sales of -0.3%, an inflation expectation of 1.5% in 2019, and foreign growth slowdown have fuelled growth recovery concerns in the U.S. The September manufacturing output climbed 0.5% compared to -0.5% in August, which can signal that the U.S. recovery is holding up.


GOLD DEMAND
The global equity tumult and the ongoing geopolitical concerns have raised the appetite for gold even though the inflationary pressure has created a negative attitude for gold.
The U.S. SPDR gold trust holdings have risen 0.20% this week after declining for four consecutive weeks. 

Moreover demand for gold from India has risen ahead of the biggest festive season of Diwali and many have made their purchases at dips. India's September gold imports jumped sharply to $3.75 billion ahead of the wedding and festival season, data from the trade ministry showed.

Meanwhile in China, the world's largest consumer for gold, has witnessed a significant drop in demand for gold even though price are running low but demand here is also expected to pick up. Growth in Gold mine output from China is set to slow significantly in coming years in the face of declining ore grades and waning profitability, an analyst at Business Monitor International said on Friday.

Now we need to see what's in basket for gold in the coming week. Gold could trade sideways next week and multiple factors are expected to influence the price of the precious metal.

FED- markets will keep an eye in the Fed Chair's speech this Friday

US- Traders will be tracking news coming in from the equity markets, alongside news about a likely global slowdown, the future pace of US stimulus, US interest rates, the Ebola scare in the US , the U.S leading indicators index , the U.S September new home sales, the U.S September CPI, September US leading indicators index and geopolitical tensions the world over.

CHINA-Next week, we will monitor the September China industrial production data, the Q3 China real GDP growth.






The primary purpose of this article by Mr. Prithviraj Kothari is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.

- Previous blog -
"Is Gold Making A  Comeback?"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2014/10/is-gold-making-comeback.html