Commodities | Jun 06 2013
The physical demand for Gold over the last few weeks has been unprecedented. Not only has the physical demand for Gold and Silver been absorbent but Central Banks (CB) seem to be lifting their interest in the metal, which is helping to offset the paper selling that has been a feature of trading over the last few weeks. We have always known that CBs have been on the bid and last year the combined purchases of Gold was 534.6 tons which was the most since 1964. Further, just over the last month we have seen Russia, Greece, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan all expand their gold reserves.
This analysis suggests that some CBs would have a long way to go. If the rhetoric is true then countries such as China, whose foreign reserves have jumped by 700% since 2004 and has enough to buy the entire Gold CB reserves twice over, will be on the bid for a while. As a percentage of reserves it barley represents about 1.7%. Russia who has been buying Gold for sometime is at 9.8%, Japan is at 3.2%, and India is at 9.9% . The recent dip in prices has provided an excellent entry opportunity for many CBs. And as these buyers a passive we expect their programs will be with us for sometime.
We continue to be long the metal at US1349 and happy to hold. The stop on the position is below US1320 as a break below here puts in question any bull move for a while.
On another note we have seen some good moves in Platinum and Palladium so it is worthwhile commenting on. Occasionally we like to look at the “whites” as they are sometime referred to. It is interesting to hear the developments in these markets as they are relatively controlled and an opportunity particularly in the platinum market is presenting itself. In retrospect both metals have outperformed Gold this year why? South Africa (SA) mines about 80% of the metal. It is labor intensive to mine and uses large amounts of energy in order to extract. Currently, SA is being torn apart by labor unrest. The largest miner Anglo American Platinum has indicated that it would reduce its mine staff by 6000 workers and thus reduce production by 250,000 ounces and then 100,00 the year after. It’s a good supply issue. On Palladium most comes from Russia. Russia built huge stockpiles of the metal in the 70s and 80s and is slowly getting rid of them. The interesting point is that most of the metal has come from the production of nickel and as ore quality is becoming poor and environmental problems persist the supply of Palladium to the market will be another issue.
However this is only half the story, the supply side. When looking at the demand side it potentially becomes even more problematic. Platinum and Palladium are mainly used in the catalytic converters for cars. If demand for cars continues to increase then expect the demand for these metals to increase dramatically. Already we are looking at a shortage 511,000 ounces of Palladium. If the demand for cars in 2013 is projected to be 82.7 million sold worldwide and each cars converter contains about 4 grams of ether. Then the math’s clear., buy on dips.
Chart Point – Gold:
Technically, a double bottom is in play and so far the structure looks healthy. We need to see a break above US1423 to conclude a new leg higher targeting US1470. Momentum indicators are turning however it is not yet an issue.
.jpg)
This report is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, products, securities or investments. This report does not, and should not be construed as acting to, sponsor, advocate, endorse or promote products or any other products, securities or investments. This report does not purport to make any recommendations or provide any investment or other advice with respect to the purchase, sale or other disposition of products, securities or investments, including, without limitation, any advice to the effect that any related transaction is appropriate for any investment objective or financial situation of a prospective investor. A decision to invest in securities or investments should not be made in reliance on any of the statements in this report. Before making any investment decision, prospective investors should seek advice from their financial advisers, take into account their individual financial needs and circumstances and carefully consider the risks associated with such investment decision.
Find out why FNArena subscribers like the service so much: "Your Feedback (Thank You)" – Warning this story contains unashamedly positive feedback on the service provided.
