After knocking on the door of new record highs over the past few weeks, the gold market is pulling back. Bulls had faced a lot of overhead resistance in futures trading. It finally proved to be too much to overcome -- at least for the near term.
Metals markets may see more choppiness until they find solid technical support levels or get a new catalyst to spark buying. Debt ceiling drama and the potential for more dominos to fall in the banking system could certainly drive price action in precious metals in the days ahead.
Longer term, the fundamentals of tight supplies and rising demand plus unrelenting currency depreciation should drive metals prices higher. Although gold has recently garnered attention for trading above $2,000 per ounce, other metals that are currently being overlooked may deliver bigger percentage gains when they get going on the upside.
One sleeper metal that has lots of potential is platinum. According to a new report from the World Platinum Investment Council, the catalytic metal faces a huge supply deficit this year. Platinum output will decline by 1% even as demand is forecast to surge by 28%.
As a consequence, estimates of platinum's shortfall have been revised upward to 983,000 ounces.
For many years platinum has been out of favor within the automotive industry as automakers opted for palladium in catalytic converters. But that is now changing as platinum benefits from substitution and sees renewed demand in car factories. Meanwhile, other promising new uses for platinum are moving forward, such as hydrogen fuel cell batteries.
Although palladium prices have been cut in half since their peak, platinum still trades at a discount to its sister metal. Platinum also continues to sell for a steep discount to gold.
Historically, platinum has often commanded a premium over both metals. Investors who anticipate that happening again in the future are taking advantage of platinum's low prices today. Although the market for investment-grade platinum bullion isn't as deep or liquid as it is for gold, pure platinum coins and bars are readily available from Money Metals Exchange.
In other news, states across the country are moving to block the implementation of a central bank digital currency. Florida governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation to prevent a CBDC from being mandated in commerce within the Sunshine State.
DeSantis spoke with veteran journalist John Stossel about the threats posed by a digital dollar.
John Stossel: President Biden and the media are excited that the dollar could go digital.
News Reporter #1: Central bank digital currencies.
News Reporter #2: The world is going to see a functioning CBDC very soon.
John Stossel: A CBDC, that's a national digital currency controlled by the Feds.
News Reporter #2: When you use your wallet to pay for something, the Fed would take the digital cash out of your wallet and deposit it into the merchant's.
John Stossel: I'll read from the President's executive order on responsible development of digital assets. “This will protect consumers, investors, and the environment.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis: That last one's a tell, because I think they would impose certain criteria. You're filling up too much tank of gas. Wait a minute, climate change. You can't be doing that. You bought another firearm? No, no, no.
John Stossel: And if you do buy or do the wrong thing, they can easily cut off your money.
Gov. Ron DeSantis: They want to move to a cashless society, which would basically mean the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department would have supervisory jurisdiction over all of your transactions.
State legislators and governors who want to protect their constituents from central bank digital currency can go a step further by also helping them seek refuge from the unsound monetary policies of the federal government.
State-level sound money legislation includes repealing all sales and income taxes on precious metals transactions and recognizing gold and silver as legal tender. Already this year, several states have passed some form of sound money legislation, with some also moving to establish bullion depositories that will help safeguard state assets and pensions.
With the U.S. government on the brink of default and the banking system being propped up by Fed funny money bailouts, states and individuals who establish sound money reserves of their own can become more resilient to risk.
Money Metals Exchange and its staff do not act as personal investment advisors for any specific individual. Nor do we advocate the purchase or sale of any regulated security listed on any exchange for any specific individual. Readers and customers should be aware that, although our track record is excellent, investment markets have inherent risks and there can be no guarantee of future profits. Likewise, our past performance does not assure the same future. You are responsible for your investment decisions, and they should be made in consultation with your own advisors. By purchasing through Money Metals, you understand our company not responsible for any losses caused by your investment decisions, nor do we have any claim to any market gains you may enjoy. This Website is provided “as is,” and Money Metals disclaims all warranties (express or implied) and any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, legality, reliability, or availability of any content on the Website.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays near 1.0400 in thin holiday trading
EUR/USD trades with mild losses near 1.0400 on Tuesday. The expectation that the US Federal Reserve will deliver fewer rate cuts in 2025 provides some support for the US Dollar. Trading volumes are likely to remain low heading into the Christmas break.
GBP/USD struggles to find direction, holds steady near 1.2550
GBP/USD consolidates in a range at around 1.2550 on Tuesday after closing in negative territory on Monday. The US Dollar preserves its strength and makes it difficult for the pair to gain traction as trading conditions thin out on Christmas Eve.
Gold holds above $2,600, bulls non-committed on hawkish Fed outlook
Gold trades in a narrow channel above $2,600 on Tuesday, albeit lacking strong follow-through buying. Geopolitical tensions and trade war fears lend support to the safe-haven XAU/USD, while the Fed’s hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the USD and caps the precious metal.
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
In a filing on Monday, the US International Revenue Service stated that the rewards gotten from staking cryptocurrencies should be taxed, responding to a lawsuit from couple Joshua and Jessica Jarrett.
2025 outlook: What is next for developed economies and currencies?
As the door closes in 2024, and while the year feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye, a lot has happened. If I had to summarise it all in four words, it would be: ‘a year of surprises’.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.