Gold prices climb to record high on US rate-cut optimism
Mon May 20 2024
Gold prices climbed to a record high on Monday after U.S. economic data last week cemented bets that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates twice this year.
FUNDAMENTALS
* Spot gold was up 0.6% at $2,430.19 per ounce, as of 0118 GMT. Bullion hit a record high of 2,440.49 earlier in the session.
* U.S. gold futures rose 0.7% at $2,434.50.
* Data last week offered the U.S. Federal Reserve good news on two fronts, but
policymakers haven't 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 1 trillion yuan ($138 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% 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 U.S. interest rates
keeping the dollar, bond yields and volatility in check, and boosting risk assets.
* Spot silver rose 1.1% at $31.85 per ounce, platinum was up 0.5% at $1,085.95
and palladium edged 0.1% higher to $1,009.50.