Why Is Gold So High Right Now?
What causes the surging gold prices we see? How can some commodities soar to staggeringly high prices when the fundamentals are in the negative? This year gold reached $1007 an ounce, the highest price of gold since March of 2008. This means gold has risen 12% since April.
What are the reasons for this? You might be tempted to think its because of the basics, but its not. The World Gold Council published a report that states craving for gold accessories has declined by 22% and industrial uses for gold has declined by 21% since 2008. The only component that has remained high in the current gold arena is speculation, which has grown by 46%.
Another reason is that gold is often considered to be a good hedge against inflation leading many to be attracted to this precious metal. But according to statistics listed by the Labor Department, the consumer price index for gold fell 2.1% in a single year. That is the opposite of inflation. So what exactly is being hedged against?
Because the Federal balance sheet is getting larger, the currency it is based on is losing it's value. Deflation will only cause our currency to further lose it's value, and inflation is not a pleasant option; it appears that either way things go, gold will benefit.
Another reason for the high worth of gold is the current low United States interest rates. The London interbank dollar rate, or the way banks decide what the cost to other financial institutions for loans will be, is now down to an all-time low .0314%, which is a total of a 4.8% drop since October, 2008. Gold earns no interest, which is different than bonds, so there is some chance of making money while holding gold. However, since the dollar is essentially worthless right now, that chance is nearly zero.
All signs point to financial speculation being behind the surge in gold prices and nothing to do with the fundamentals. Gold prices are high and it is impossible to predict what will happen from here. - 23229
What are the reasons for this? You might be tempted to think its because of the basics, but its not. The World Gold Council published a report that states craving for gold accessories has declined by 22% and industrial uses for gold has declined by 21% since 2008. The only component that has remained high in the current gold arena is speculation, which has grown by 46%.
Another reason is that gold is often considered to be a good hedge against inflation leading many to be attracted to this precious metal. But according to statistics listed by the Labor Department, the consumer price index for gold fell 2.1% in a single year. That is the opposite of inflation. So what exactly is being hedged against?
Because the Federal balance sheet is getting larger, the currency it is based on is losing it's value. Deflation will only cause our currency to further lose it's value, and inflation is not a pleasant option; it appears that either way things go, gold will benefit.
Another reason for the high worth of gold is the current low United States interest rates. The London interbank dollar rate, or the way banks decide what the cost to other financial institutions for loans will be, is now down to an all-time low .0314%, which is a total of a 4.8% drop since October, 2008. Gold earns no interest, which is different than bonds, so there is some chance of making money while holding gold. However, since the dollar is essentially worthless right now, that chance is nearly zero.
All signs point to financial speculation being behind the surge in gold prices and nothing to do with the fundamentals. Gold prices are high and it is impossible to predict what will happen from here. - 23229
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posted by X - Men @ 6:59 AM
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