Gold prices soar to record high: Two surprising factors fueling the surge

By Newsdesk

April 09 2024
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Gold prices have hit a fresh record high, nearing $2,300 an ounce in Thursday trading, and while geopolitical tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve are commonly cited as reasons for the surge, there are two surprising and often overlooked factors driving the rally, according to Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

Gold prices soar to record high: Two surprising factors fueling the surge

Green acknowledges that the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to the uncertainty in global markets, prompting investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold. Additionally, expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve have diminished the opportunity cost of holding gold, further enticing investors to enter the market.

However, he points out two critical elements that are often sidelined in discussions surrounding the surge in gold prices.

"Firstly, the expectation among some influential traders and analysts of a reacceleration of US inflation is prompting some to increase their gold holdings," Green notes. "The core personal consumption expenditures price index, a key measure of inflation, rose by 2.8% in February, aligning with market expectations." As inflation erodes the purchasing power of fiat currencies, traders who anticipate inflationary pressures to intensify are turning to gold as a reliable store of value, driving up demand and prices.

Secondly, Green highlights China's consistent accumulation of gold reserves for 16 consecutive months, as evidenced by Bloomberg data, as a significant factor in bolstering gold prices. "China's strategy of diversifying its central bank holdings to reduce reliance on the US dollar has led to substantial gold acquisitions," he explains. This diversification not only safeguards against currency volatility but also reflects China's broader ambition to assert economic independence and influence in the global financial landscape.

Looking ahead, Green believes that the momentum for gold will continue for the foreseeable future, as investors are reminded of its enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset and as US economic rivals continue to move away from the dollar.

"The trajectory of gold prices remains intricately linked to the evolving macroeconomic landscape and geopolitical developments," he concludes. "While geopolitical tensions and monetary policy decisions will continue to influence short-term fluctuations, other factors driving predictions of upticks in inflation and China's gold acquisitions cannot be dismissed."

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