Prithviraj Kothari's view on Gold and Silver: fed

Showing posts with label fed. Show all posts

Monday 20 June 2016

BREXIT – Unity of Europe challenged: RSBL

- Prithviraj Kothari, MD RSBL

Clearly FED dominated first quarter of 2016 with respect to price movements in precious metals market and specially Gold. Moving here, there are lot of key events that could be considered game changing for Gold and Silver prices.

The June FOMC left the borrowing rates target unchanged while St. Louis Fed president James Bullard said the U.S. economy might need only one interest rate increase through 2018. The Fed's actual pace of rate increases has been much slower than what was mapped out by the committee in the past. This mismatch between what they are saying and what they are doing is arguably causing distortions in global financial markets, causing unnecessary confusion over future Fed policy, and eroding credibility of the FOMC.

Gold prices endured an extremely volatile session last Friday after Thursdays aggressive wash-out, grinding its way higher throughout the European and U.S. days to close out the week on a positive note (+1.6% higher for the week).

The Bank of Japan also did nothing to reassure the markets with a "shock and awe" monetary ease, impotent to act on the eve of Brexit and the upper house Japanese Diet election.

Everyone has been talking of the Brexit and as to how it will affect Gold prices. Those concerns were echoed by policymakers around the world last week. The Bank of England called the referendum the largest immediate risk facing U.K. financial markets, and possibly also global financial markets. Lets have a look as to what exactly Brexit is and how will it affect the financial markets and more importantly what effect it can have on the yellow metal.

WHAT IS BREXIT:

International policymakers are ramping up their warnings on the dangers of a British exit - popularly known as "Brexit" — from the political and economic alliance that has united Europe for the past four decades. Voters in Britain will decide whether to leave or remain in the European Union in a referendum on Thursday, but financial market volatility has already spiked as polls show a growing desire to abandon the partnership.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT UK:

The International Monetary Fund on Friday issued one of the direst forecasts to date, calling the impact of Britain's departure from the European Union "negative and substantial." The fund predicted that a Brexit could reduce economic growth by up to 5.6 percent over the next three years in its worst-case scenario. The gloomy outlook is driven by an expected sharp decline in the pound and severe disruptions in trade as the nation is forced to renegotiate deals with countries across the continent, potentially on worse terms.

HOW IT WILL AFFECT GOLD:

Gold is the obvious beneficiary of a dovish Fed, negative interest rates in Germany and Japan and the safe-haven bid to hedge Brexit risk.If Brexit happens then we may see gold trade at $1350 an ounce in the days to come. If Britain does not vote to leave the EU, gold prices could fall to $1220 as an immediate liquidation move.

If Britain leaves EU, the other states would also look for this option and the idea of unified Europe would fail. The challenges are coming at an already weak moment for Europe's economy — and the world's. Europe is still recovering from the series of financial crises that have been roiling countries such as Greece and Italy along with others across the continent. Waves of refugees from the Middle East are spurring political and cultural unrest.

In short, A Brexit would be bad for the U.K., it would be bad for Europe, and it would be bad for the world, and will further add to the current global uncertainties thus sending shockwaves through all financial markets but a positive for safe haven status of Gold.

Thank You!

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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 –

Gold prices Rise: RSBL - http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2016/06/gold-prices-rise-rsbl.html

Tuesday 29 March 2016

RSBL: Why Gold is still cheap?

By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL

Before jumping onto the main topic, I would like to essay out some facts about Gold prices this year. (Assuming Silver prices have more or less followed Gold prices). I am sure; lot of people would be feeling that US$60 is a big decline for Gold prices in the recent weeks and few would even have increased their bearish bets against the precious metal. I must warn them by quoting that even after the recent decline; the precious metal is nearly 16% up from its lows.

Then why there is a decline?

1. The U.S. central bank surprised markets last week by cutting its rate hike projections more than expected, down from four to two in 2016, citing the potential impact from weaker global growth and financial market turmoil on the U.S. economy. This led to a rally in the U.S. dollar index and in turn bearish for the metal.

2. There was a brief safe haven status which Gold gained due to the attacks in Brussels.

3. Throughout the last week various Fed members including Patrick Harker, the Philadelphia Fed president, have come out in support of raising interest as soon as April – if the economic conditions were to move.

4. One more reason is the Easter Holidays, where I would see the profit booking in the Gold prices is quite understandable.

Now coming to the main topic: Why Gold is undervalued according to me?

1. Reducing the number of rate hikes from 4 to 2, clearly states that FED isn’t sure how the world economy would fare in the longer run. Even when US economy has been showing some positive economic numbers, they are unable to take the most obvious step and when the inflation picks up faster than the central bank expects, they would have to increase the rates quickly.

2. A dovish Federal Reserve, a weaker U.S. dollar and negative real interest rates will all be positive for gold this year. Over the recent years, the most dominant driver for gold prices has been the direction of the US dollar. As we are now expecting a lower dollar over the coming years we expect it to play a crucial role in the movement of gold prices. As for the Fed the analysts say that even if the Fed does raise interest rates later this year -- a scenario they see as unlikely -- they will be perceived as being behind the inflation curve high will once again be a pushing factor for gold prices as investors will likely buy gold because of lower US real yields and as some may see gold as a possible inflation hedge.

3. There are lot of crucial political events this year:

a. Current leadership crises in Brazil

b. US presidential election in November

c. U.K’s June vote over its membership in European Union.

All of them would leave a lasting effect if they go against the market.

4. Terror threat across Europe, Syrian conflict and other Geopolitical tensions will always make Gold has the safest investment during the turmoil.

5. Moody’s Investors Service highlighted China’s surging debt burden in lowering the nation’s credit-rating outlook to negative from stable earlier this month.

6. We are in a tug of war between slow growth and high valuations on one side and central bank stimulus on the other.

Looking at the renewed turmoil in financial markets by highlighting the Fed’s policy divergence with the ultra-easy stances of the ECB and Bank of Japan, the near future seems bright for gold.

Thank You!

You may follow me on:

      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prithviraj.kothari
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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 -
"Brussels explosion and Gold's Safe haven appeal: RSBL"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2016/03/brussels-explosion-and-golds-safe-haven.html

Photo courtesy: Google search

Saturday 31 October 2015

Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme by India & FED Rate Hike - Timing Matters: RSBL!

- Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director, RSBL

Rather than talking about International Bullion, I am glad to put forward the decision of Government of India, in consultation with Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds. A welcome move by Government of India, after their announcement during the Budget. The best part of this is:

The investors will be compensated at a fixed rate of 2.75% per annum payable semi-annually on the initial value of investment. This a good interest rate that their offering as compared to the policy that they issued a decade back. For Indians who purchase Gold with a traditional respect can now get a chance to earn a fixed interest rate along with the benefit of Price appreciation.
Minimum permissible investment will be 2 units (i.e. 2 grams of gold. With already a wave of new bank accounts being opened due to Jan Dhan Yojna, this minimum permissible investment gives an added advantage to reach the masses who can invest as low as 2 grams.

My personal feeling is that the scheme would be a huge success with the financial, safety implications that have been covered in alternative to holding physical gold at home.

I am sure Sovereign Gold Bonds shall raise a new chapter in Indian Bullion Industry.

As mentioned in my previous Blogs, Gold is still a sell on rallies. The physiological level s US$1200 is yet to be broken convincingly if we talk about it on a technical front. Fundamentally, lower the price the better the buying opportunity.

The data dependent week for gold finished in the prices in red as investor sentiment eroded due to uncertainty in US monetary policy.

On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) chose not to increase the federal funds rate but it did remove the prior concern over global growth and volatility. This was largely interpreted in the market as hawkish, signaling higher rates from the Federal Open Market Committee’s December 15-16 meeting.

I do feel that you would be a bit confused that if FED is not increasing the interest rates, it is good signs for Bullion as the safe heaven appeal rises due to uncertainties in economy. But the December meeting is the most anticipated one. There has been growth in US economy and as the FED says it has been moderately paced. But they cannot go on throughout their time with negative interest rates. The timing is crucial and that is where the whole delay is. So the rates increase has already priced in Gold poor show. The spot gold price was last at $1,1141.40/1,141.90 per ounce, down $5.70 on Thursday’s close. Silver prices followed the Gold fall where the last recorded price was $15.57/15.62.

RSBL SPOT Gold Price

Some of the important data released this week weren’t meeting the expectation of FED:

A Negative Advance GDP q/q print of 1.5% instead of 1.6% was a small hiccup for US economy.
CB consumer confidence in US showed a gloomy picture of 97.6 instead of 102.5
Core Durable Goods Orders m/m for US posted a negative performance too of -0.4% instead of 0.0%

US data releases between now and mid-December will be viewed as crucial but a major obstacle for the US central bank’ policy-setting board will be a key few who believe inflation should reach – or at least approach – the Fed’s target of two percent before a lift-off. Though a part of the FOMC wants to hold off until 2016, Fed chair Janet Yellen has said repeatedly she would prefer to rise the federal funds rate this year despite poor inflation and the tepid US economic recovery.

A rate hike this December would weigh on gold and given the recent gains in positioning could mean a deeper correction than would have been otherwise. A drop in gold prices would mean a good buying opportunity for physical buyers in China who need to stock up for the Lunar New Year festivities. Though the festival falls in the second half of February, people might advance their purchases if a dip in gold prices is witnessed.

Investors will now, desperately, await the December meeting for a potential normalization of monetary policy. Expectations in financial markets about a possible rate hike by the Fed this year are low, but a Fed rate hike is not completely priced out yet.

US data releases between now and the December 16 FOMC meeting will likely be very important as market participants try to gauge the health of the economy and whether or not a potential move in December would be justified. The Fed is ‘data dependent’ and there shall be a great deal of new information that shall be released between now and the December meeting, much of which shall have to turn for the better if the Fed is going to act

Technical Range for Gold price and Silver price next week:

METAL	International price range	Domestic price range
Gold	$1126 - $1177 per ounce	INR 26100 – INR 27000 per 10gm
Silver	$14.47 - $16.20 per ounce	INR 35200 – INR 38500 per Kg

The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.

- Previous blog -
" GOLD LOSES DIRECTION: RSBL"
http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/10/gold-loses-direction-rsbl.html

Monday 8 June 2015

BULLS AND BEARS TO CLASH

By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD, RSBL

Over the past year and to be precise, lately, there has been a strong belief in the market that the U.S. is on it way of raising its rates. While evidence of continued improvement in the US economy is not gold-friendly and ultimately acts as an obstacle for the price rise in yellow metal.

Let’s have a quick glance to the important highlights during the last week:

Non farm payrolls data:
The most awaited or rather the most influential factor this week was the jobs report. The US created 280,000 new jobs in May, significantly above analysts’ estimates of 222,000 and the highest climb in jobs figures seen in months. US indicators have increased in importance at the moment as the Federal Reserve specifically identified US jobs data as one of the key factors on its decision when to raise interest rates from near zero.
The unemployment rate was essentially unchanged at 5.5 percent. Private sector job growth has increased 63 straight months, a US record.

EUROZONE:
In the Eurozone, French trade balance in April was a negative three billion, above forecasts of four billion, while German factory orders month-over-month in April was up 1.4 percent, beating consensus of 0.6 percent. With investor sentiment for gold so weak gold prices may well continue lower, but we do feel this is leading to a better buying opportunity and given developments in Greece and with potential for corrections in other asset classes, it may not be too long before the markets start looking for a safe-haven again.

DOLLAR:
The dollar jumped to a 13-year high against the yen and gained against most major currencies, cutting the appeal of precious metals as alternative assets. The expectation of an interest rate hike has benefited the dollar and it has enjoyed a dramatic and sustained rally.

GREECE:
      Meanwhile in Greece, the country delayed a 300-million-euro repayment to the IMF until the end of June and bundling all the payments together, increasing the risk of a Greek exit from the bloc.
      Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras reportedly rejected proposals put together by its lenders, arguing that any deal to unlock crucial bailout funds must be based on his own side’s conditions. But the two sides remain “very close” to agreeing a deal, after creditors supposedly proposed lower primary surplus goals.

Geopolitical Tension:
       Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists on Wednesday fought their first serious battles in months and Ukraine's defense minister said an attempt by rebels to take the eastern town of Maryinka had been thwarted.

Post the US job data release, gold prices tumbled as the economy showed strong signs of recovery after a lackluster first quarter. Investors have been barring gold on signs that the economy has grown enough adhesion to damp the need for haven assets, encouraging worry that better progress will push policy makers to raise rates.

It’s not possible to give a clarity to what exactly the price of gold is going to be tomorrow. Nor it is easy to take a buy call in Silver as the metal continues to follow gold with the risk to the downside. There are many factors that support and upper drive and a contrary lower drive for gold prices.

First, we think about international geopolitical tensions. Second, the uncertainty coming from Greece is still lingering in the minds of traders and captains of industry. Third, strategic or policy-related bullion purchases by central banks remain significantly high: After eight quarters of capital outflows from the ETF industry, the first quarter of 2015 saw a rebound in gold purchases.

However, two factors might hamper the bullion’s technical ascent, reducing the precious metal’s value over time. The first element comes from long-term charts: Gold is still in a long-term bearish trend, which has caused the precious metal to drop 30% in value from the peak reached during the summer of 2011. Second obstacle to higher gold prices: the strong US dollar and the historically negative correlation between the American currency and the yellow metal. To add Hedge funds and money managers cut net long positions in gold and silver during the week ended June 2, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed on Friday.

A stimulating clash awaits for bulls and bears in the coming months! But, as usual, the final word rests with the markets.

TRADE RANGE:

METAL	INTERNATIONAL	DOMESTIC
GOLD	$1151 - $1191 an ounce	Rs.25,700 - Rs.27,300 per 10g
SILVER	$15.70 - $17.00 an ounce	Rs.36,500 - Rs.39,500 per kg

The primary purpose of this blog by Prithviraj Kothari - MD, RSBL, is to educate the masses of the current happenings in the Bullion world.”

- Previous blog -

"Calmness before the big move in Gold and Silver"

http://riddisiddhibullionsltd.blogspot.in/2015/06/calmness-before-big-move-in-gold-and.html

Sunday 17 May 2015

RSBL: GOLD CONTINUES TO RISE!

By Mr. Prithviraj Kothari, MD,RSBL

Overall, it was a good week for gold as prices rallied with a weekly gain of 3.1 percent, following a spate of negative numbers from the US which unsettled investors and weighed on the dollar.

Let’s have a look at the important highlights of the week:

US retail sales on Wednesday at 0.0 percent missed consensus of 0.3 percent while the core figure at 0.1 percent fell short of the expected 0.4 percent gave the yellow metal the impetus to move higher
Holdings in the world's largest gold backed exchange traded fund, SPDR Gold Shares, fell 0.61 percent on Thursday to a four month low of 723.91 tons
Physical buying slowed in Asia as higher prices kept some consumers away. In China, premiums eased about 50 cents to $1 an ounce over the global benchmark on Friday, from premiums of $2-$3 earlier in the week
Industrial production in the U.S. declined in April, reflecting a drop in mining and utilities output, a report from the Federal Reserve showed Friday.
Hedge fund and money managers increased net long positions in Gold and Silver ended May, 12th - U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data showed on Friday.
Geopolitical tension surged in Iraq where Islamic State militants said they had taken full control of the western Iraqi city of Ramadi on Sunday in the biggest defeat for the Baghdad government since last summer.
A surprise drop in US producer prices in April, signaled heightened disinflation risks plaguing the world’s biggest economy
Silver has been a part of 8% rally which places it strongly in the channel where it leads the precious metals group with gains over the whole year.

There have also been reports that Europeans are snapping up gold in fear that a Greek exit from the euro zone could wreak havoc on the economy.

While on US front, The longer the flow of poor data exists, the greater will be the doubts on US economy. Economists predicts that the Fed may raise short term interest rates in September while the other chunk of the market predicts that the hike may get delayed until later in fourth quarter or even next year.

I do agree that US data continues to dominate the market's movements with physical support going a bit low as the price rise, but for this rally to sustain, I strongly feel that all the factors of momentum need to be pressed at the right time. Otherwise the rally is bound to fade. A key technical resistance of US$1238 needs to be taken out of GOLD.

If we see all the factors that are influencing Gold and precious metals price movement, one common rule is generated which needs to be followed. You should not abandon precious metals be it Gold or Silver or Platinum. They are rare, have the status of safe haven, central banks monetary policy support and used in something that everybody loves: jewellery. Every buy on dips is worth the money.