This Little PIIGGY: Spain and Gold Prices

Since the economic situation in the EU was either better or less worrisome last weekend, many investors' felt that market trading was less risky.  Therefore, traders tentatively sold gold for stocks. Global stock markets  posted modest gains encouraged by the U.S. late-day rally on Friday.

There may be more volatility ahead  for gold prices as they continue to take their cue from the risk trade. In the short term, a weaker US dollar could boost demand for gold as the dollar-backed commodity becomes an inexpensive purchase in other currencies; furthermore, any significant pullback could lure in any bargain-hunters looking to buy gold at a discount.

Even though Spain denied rumors last week that it would be the next EU nation to request bailout funds, sovereign debt risk from Spain is waiting in the wings as a gold provocateur.  Even though the Spain's yields are on the rise. Bond yields typically rise when a government must sweeten the pot to entice  investors to lend the country money. Currently, the yield on Spain's 10-year bond is 4.59% while Portugal's is 5.33%. These levels do not yet compare with Greece's double-digit yield at the height of its' financial crisis, but investors are still worried, and any bad news out of the eurozone would trigger a gold rush as investors buy the metal as a form of money that retains value when paper currencies fail.

Gold bulls are hoping that prices can reclaim and exceed their record high last week of $1,254 an troy ounce. However, gold set that record intraday and settled under $1,250 leaving many analysts wondering if there is any momentum to this gold is bullish movement.

For the Silverbugs and base metal buyers: Monday, silver prices were rising .18 cents to $18.42, while copper was rallying 8 cents to $2.99.

Gold and Oother PM's Start With a Bang then Fizzle Out-March 10, 2010

Gold prices started off slightly higher today on improving investor risk appetite. Gold for April delivery was rising to $1,122.40 at the Comex. Prices traded has high as $1,128.30 and as low as $1,120.50. The U.S dollar index was adding 0.03% to $80.62. Gold's spot price was rising 80 cents according to Kitco's gold index. Many investors were still waiting for a resolution on Greek sovereign debt, but a strengthening euro was helping gold prices. President Obama met with Greece’s Prime Minister Papandreou; however, Obama showed little support for Greece and gave no indications of financial aid.


The European Commission is working on a proposal for a monetary fund to assist struggling European countries, but Greece and Portugal have yet to officially ask for help. Hampering gold's morning rise was the news that China's imports rose by 44.7% last month, crimping its trade surplus. If China raises rates to put the brakes on its economy, many analysts believe that would impact gold prices negatively. Consumer demand for gold in China grew 7% from 2008 to 2009, totaling 462 tons. Initial buying interest has boosted gold somewhat as a result of the European Union debt news and currency fluctuations.

However, gold futures finished lower. According to MarketWatch, traders took a cautious approach ahead of more economic reports from China. Most precious metals sold off early in the session and failed recover during this session. No single reason was attributed to the move lower in precious metals, although a recovery in the dollar index did convince many to sell.

Gold futures are at lows not seen since February 25. Also, gold futures closed just below their simple 50-day moving average. April gold closed 1.3% lower by $14.10 to $1108.20, May silver closed 1.8% lower losing .028 to finish at $17.31 and May copper shed 4.35 cents to $3.368. Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays: Silver- SLV -1.75%, Gold miners- GDX -1.50%, Gold- GLD -1.25%, Base metals- DBB -0.75% (COMDX).

Gold Futures Higher on Stronger Euro, Weaker Dollar

An article on Forbes.com reported that gold futures moved higher this morning as the Euro strengthened against the US dollar, and an employment report showed improvement in the U.S. jobs picture. Gold went as high as $1,144.40 per ounce early in the session, to its highest levels since Jan. 11. 2010. Greece's plans to rein in its debt gave strength to the Euro and thus weakened the US Dollar.   Furthermore, the ADP jobs report stated the U.S. private-sector employers cut 40,000 less jobs in February than in January. Gold mining companies also traded higher during this mornings advance. Barrick Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, and Newmont Mining all posted modest gains.  To read the entire article:
Gold Rallies As Dollar Dallies
Greenback falls on Greek belt-tightening, provides boost to metal prices, stocks.
By MarketNewsVideo.com
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/03/gold-barrick-anglogold-markets-equities-silver-marketnewsvideo.html?partner=email