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The longer term fundamentals outlook for gold remains robust despite the sharp fall in prices in recent weeks. The depressed price levels have provided an attractive entry point for physical buyes and bargain hunters, according to ETF Securities Ltd (ETFS) in their weekly report.
The recent hectic buying activity in mainland China, Hong Kong for gold bars, record US coin sales, Indian buying ahead of wedding season, important festivals have all provided the support for gold prices to recover from losses last week, ETFS said.
Volumes on the Shanghai Gold Exchange also reached an all-time high last week, evidence of China's strong return to the market. Investors are also starting to regain confidence in the gold price, with long positions up 33% week-on-week.
On an average, Indians are paying a $10/oz premium to secure supplies (according to the Bombay Bullion Association). With the Akshaya Tritiya festival shortly coming up and the Indian festival and wedding season officially starting in August, physical buyers in India are likely to continue taking advantage of current gold prices. Volumes on the Shanghai Gold Exchange also reached an all-time high last week, evidence of China's strong return to the market. Investors are also starting to regain confidence in the gold price, with long positions up 33% week-on-week.
Key events to watch this week: Investor attention will be sharply focused on the ECB meeting this week, with the consensus expecting a cut in rates. That would mark a bold shift in the ECB's thinking as it has traditionally been reluctant to move rates below 0.75%. FOMC members' reaction to the weak GDP and employment data will be closely observed and the payrolls data for April will give clarification as to how sustained the weakness in the US jobs market was.
Volumes on the Shanghai Gold Exchange also reached an all-time high last week, evidence of China's strong return to the market. Investors are also starting to regain confidence in the gold price, with long positions up 33% week-on-week.
On an average, Indians are paying a $10/oz premium to secure supplies (according to the Bombay Bullion Association). With the Akshaya Tritiya festival shortly coming up and the Indian festival and wedding season officially starting in August, physical buyers in India are likely to continue taking advantage of current gold prices. Volumes on the Shanghai Gold Exchange also reached an all-time high last week, evidence of China's strong return to the market. Investors are also starting to regain confidence in the gold price, with long positions up 33% week-on-week.
Key events to watch this week: Investor attention will be sharply focused on the ECB meeting this week, with the consensus expecting a cut in rates. That would mark a bold shift in the ECB's thinking as it has traditionally been reluctant to move rates below 0.75%. FOMC members' reaction to the weak GDP and employment data will be closely observed and the payrolls data for April will give clarification as to how sustained the weakness in the US jobs market was.
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