Gold prices climb to record high on US rate-cut optimism
May 20, 2024
Gold prices climbed to a record high on Monday (May 2 after US economic data last week cemented bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates twice this year.
Spot gold was up 0.6 per cent at US$2,430.19 per ounce, as at 0118 GMT. Bullion hit a record high of 2,440.49 earlier in the session.
US gold futures rose 0.7 per cent at US$2,434.50.
Data last week offered the US Federal Reserve good news on two fronts, but policymakers have not openly shifted views yet about the timing of rate cuts investors are convinced will start this year.
However, Fed governor Michelle Bowman repeated her view that inflation will fall further with the policy rate held steady, but said she has seen no improvement on inflation this year and remains willing to hike rates should progress stall or reverse.
Bullion is known as an inflation hedge, but higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold.
China announced “historic” steps to stabilise its crisis-hit property sector, with the central bank facilitating one trillion yuan (S$186 billion) in extra funding and easing mortgage rules, and local governments set to buy “some” apartments.
BHP Group would need to boost its latest offer around 30 per cent to reflect fair value for Anglo American and its key copper assets.
An uptick in gold prices last week deterred physical purchases in top consumers, prompting dealers to offer lower premiums in China and deeper discounts after a key gold-buying festival in India.
The global backdrop for Asian markets is still bright, with investors confident that the Fed will soon cut US interest rates keeping the US dollar, bond yields and volatility in check, and boosting risk assets.
Spot silver rose 1.1 per cent at US$31.85 per ounce, platinum was up 0.5 per cent at US$1,085.95 and palladium edged 0.1 per cent higher to US$1,009.50. BLOOMBERG
Ref: The Business Times
