The UAE is robustly moving towards the digitalisation of payments
business1 hour ago
The single currency gained traction against the dollar after China said it would continue investing in euro zone debt, although further gains looked dependent on whether Greek leaders signed a commitment to implement tough austerity measures.
Data released earlier showed the euro zone economy had shrunk by 0.3 in the last three months of 2011, with the sovereign debt crisis crushing a recovery, but a north-south divide was evident as France grew while Italy slumped.
Mitsubishi analyst Matthew Turner said the growth data was stronger than some had expected.
“This has raised hopes that if Q1 (2012) is also better than expected then perhaps there won’t be the deep recession everyone fears.”
Spot gold was quoted at $1,726.29 per ounce, up 0.4 percent on the day. Benchmark COMEX gold futures stood at $1,728.70, up $11.0.
More broadly, Turner noted that a scenario of Greece leaving the euro area was uncharted territory, while an improvement in the overall economic backdrop would need specific characteristics for gold to make further gains.
“It was the case last year that gold didn’t do very well on bad news that was deflationary, whereas it does do well on bad economic news that is inflationary,” Turner said.
“Gold might struggle a little bit if things do get better but I’m skeptical that they will get much better. I think perhaps we’ll see a slowdown in the economy again in Q2, Q3 and that might start to raise hopes of more Q.E.”
Injecting cash into the economy with quantitative easing is gold-friendly as it supports ultra low interest rates.
Technical analysis suggested spot gold could fall to $1,698 an ounce during the day.
Hedge fund manager and long-time gold bull John Paulson cut his gold ETF bullion holdings by about $600 million in the fourth quarter, a second straight reduction that was likely driven by client redemption needs as he remained upbeat on the metal.
However, Paulson’s selling in the SPDR Gold Trust was more than offset by buying by other investors, reflecting long-term confidence in gold.
“In the long run, the euro zone debt crisis is still supportive of gold,” said Hou Xinqiang, an analyst at Jinrui Futures based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
“In the short term, gold is due to stay in consolidation mode, with the lower end of the range at $1,700 presenting a buying opportunity.”
Spot platinum rebounded after hitting a one-week low of $1,615.98 in the previous session, rising 0.4 percent to $1,630.24.
Silver mimicked the firmer tone in gold and other metals, rising 0.4 percent to $33.68 per ounce.
The UAE is robustly moving towards the digitalisation of payments
business1 hour ago
AI’s continuous development will undoubtedly increase the potency of its potential misuse
tech1 hour ago
The UAE and India forging stronger bonds
business1 hour ago
Come along as we explore the best looks worn by stars such as Zendaya and Alia Bhatt, intricate details of their designer’s creations, and our thoughts on each ensemble!
entertainment2 hours ago
Developers and community managers conduct free cleaning and repairs for residences, helping areas that have been severely damaged
uae2 hours ago
Global output may be cut by $1 trillion, finds new analysis
energy2 hours ago
The patient made a full recovery and was discharged within three days
health2 hours ago
Opinion polls indicate Modi will win a rare third term when voting ends on June 1
asia2 hours ago