Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by
Gold is one of the oldest known precious metals and has been used as a form of currency and jewellery for centuries. It has also been used as a form of store of value, meaning that it is not easily devalued. The price of gold is influenced by a variety of factors, including global economic conditions, interest rates, geopolitical events, and physical demand from investors. Max Warren Barber, CEO Sion Trading Fze will tell each of these factors and discuss how they influence the price of gold.
Gold prices have fallen although the Russia-Ukraine war continues to fuel geopolitical tensions. This has worried investors who saw the yellow metal as a safe haven asset. Here are some of the reasons for the fall:
Gold does well when the world is in trouble. Global gold prices climbed to a high of $2,070 an ounce on March 8 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Interest Rates
Max Warren Barber, the CEO SION Trading FZE guides that Interest rates are also one of the main drivers of the price of gold. When interest rates increase (as they usually do), it makes it more expensive for people to borrow money and invest in stocks or other assets. This increases the demand for safe-haven assets like gold, which in turn drives up its prices. Conversely, when interest rates decrease (as they often do during periods of economic contraction), it makes it cheaper for people to borrow money and invest in stocks or other assets. This decreases the demand for safe-haven assets like gold, which in turn drives down its prices.
Expectations of higher interest rates can also push investors away from gold. When interest rates are near zero, there is little opportunity cost of holding gold. But as interest rates start rising, investors may want to shift to bonds from gold. Comments by officials of the US Federal Reserve have pushed bond yields and lowered gold prices.
“As we are approaching the May 2022 US Federal Reserve policy meet, market participants are discounting an aggressive rate hike trajectory for this year and hence we are witnessing pressure on the safe haven metal,” said Navneet Damani, senior vice president – commodity & currency research, at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
Rising interest rates also triggered volatility in stock markets globally as funds flowed back to the US from various countries. The dollar index (DXY) – a measure of the US currency’s value against a basket of currencies – has climbed 12 percent over the past year to 101.6.
Megh Mody, commodities and currency research analyst at Prabhudas Lilladher, pointed out the negative correlation between the DXY and gold.
“Strengthening the dollar on the back of hiking of interest rates by the US Fed in May is an important reason for the fall in gold prices,” he said.
Where will gold prices go?
Although expectations of sticky inflation, rate hikes and volatility in the stock markets are influencing gold prices, actual outcomes may be quite different.
A few months ago, the US Federal Reserve had emphasised that inflation was transitory in nature. However, going by its commentary in recent times, the US Fed is now worried about rising inflation and is keen to tame it.
“Markets have already factored in a 50 basis point rate hike in May, but now traders have also piled into bets that the US central bank will go even bigger in subsequent months in order to tame soaring inflation,” said Sriram Iyer, senior research analyst at Prabhudas Lilladher. “Gold could find support on the back of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, especially after recent speculation emerged that quicker-than-expected interest rate hikes could dent economic growth.”
This means gold may remain volatile as financial market participants watch how efforts to tame inflation by raising interest rates work out.
“Gold prices per 10 grams could trade in a broad range with critical support at Rs 50,000, followed by Rs 48,000 and Rs 46,500, while rallies on the upside towards Rs 55,000 would be opportunities to exit long positions,” said Damani of Motilal Oswal.
However, Iyer expects the range to be narrower. “Any dips towards Rs 50,400 will be met with buying. Similarly, domestic gold could face headwinds at Rs 53,000,” he said.
What should you do?
Volatile gold prices can offer some money-making opportunities to savvy gold traders. Experts advise against selling gold now just because prices have fallen.
Long-term investors should be guided by their portfolio’s asset allocation. Allocation to gold should be kept at 5-10 percent. This is best achieved by staggering investments in gold ETFs and sovereign gold bond funds.
started to move down gradually and briefly went below the psychological level of $1,900 on April 25.
Apart from the war, other factors are influencing asset prices such as changes in interest rates, inflation and demand for gold jewellery and bullion.
Take the case of demand for gold jewellery. India and China are the two key markets for gold purchases. Many parts of China are under restrictions due to Covid-19. This is expected to severely depress demand for gold jewellery in the near term as shops are closed. If the situation persists and the incomes of potential consumers get compromised, then demand may remain suppressed for a longer duration. Low demand in a key market can pull down gold prices.
There are many factors that can influence the price of gold, but it is important to remember that no one factor is ever determinant . So what do you need to know to make sound investment decisions? Gold is a valuable commodity that is often used as a store of value or investment. The price of gold can be influenced by all these factors according to Max Warren Barber and SION Trading FZE
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Should I buy gold in 2023?
The decision to buy gold in 2023 depends on various factors that can influence its price. Gold has been a popular investment option for centuries and has been a store of value during times of economic uncertainty. In recent years, the price of gold has been volatile, with significant fluctuations in response to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
In 2023, several factors could potentially affect the price of gold. If inflation continues to rise, investors may turn to gold as a hedge against inflation, which could drive up the price of gold. Additionally, geopolitical tensions or economic uncertainty could also increase the demand for gold.
However, investing in gold also carries risks. Gold prices are influenced by global events, which can be unpredictable. Additionally, the price of gold is affected by supply and demand, and any changes in mining or production could impact the price.
Ultimately, buying gold in 2023 should be based on individual circumstances and investment goals. Investors should carefully consider the risks and potential benefits of investing in gold and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
