Gold value has been slipping in recent months of 2023 – here are some of the reasons gold prices fluctuate.
Dynamic market
Gold is a precious metal that is often seen as a safe haven investment and a store of value, but it is also subject to the forces of supply and demand, as well as many other factors that affect its price.
The gold market is complex and dynamic, and the price of gold can change quickly and unpredictably. Therefore, it is important to do your own research and analysis before investing in gold or any other asset.
Always do your research! Remember, RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!
Gold price from 2005 – September 2023
The production costs of gold
The cost of mining, refining, and transporting gold can influence the supply and the price of gold. If the production costs are high, the gold miners may reduce their output or increase their selling price, which can affect the market balance and the gold price.
Money supply
The amount of money in circulation can affect the value of the currency and the inflation rate, which in turn can affect the demand and the price of gold. Generally, when the money supply increases, the currency value decreases and the inflation rate increases, which can boost the demand and the price of gold as a hedge.
Geopolitical stability
The political and economic events around the world can affect the market sentiment and the risk appetite of investors, which can influence the demand and the price of gold. Generally, when there is uncertainty, instability, or conflict, investors tend to seek safe-haven assets such as gold, which can increase the demand and the price of gold.
Jewellery and industrial demand
The demand for gold from the jewellery and industrial sectors can affect the market balance and the price of gold. Jewelry is the largest source of gold demand, especially in countries like India and China, where gold is culturally and traditionally valued. Industrial demand for gold comes from its use in various electronic and medical devices, such as smartphones, computers, and dentistry. The changes in the consumer preferences, the income levels, the technological innovations, and the environmental regulations can affect the demand and the price of gold from these sectors.
Gold price 3rd October 2023
Central bank actions
The actions of central banks around the world can affect the supply and the demand of gold, as well as the value of the currency and the interest rates, which can influence the price of gold. Central banks hold gold reserves as part of their foreign exchange assets, and they can buy or sell gold to diversify their portfolios, to manage their liquidity, or to intervene in the currency markets. Central banks can also affect the price of gold indirectly through their monetary policies, such as setting the interest rates, printing money, or buying bonds, which can affect the inflation expectations, the currency value, and the opportunity cost of holding gold.
Strength of the U.S. dollar
Gold is priced in U.S. dollars in most of the major trading exchanges around the world, so when the dollar rises against other currencies, gold becomes more expensive for foreign investors, reducing the demand for it. The U.S. dollar has been strengthening since, partly due to the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening policy that has raised the interest rates and the attractiveness of U.S. Treasury securities.
Rise of global equities
Gold is often considered a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and the failure of other financial assets, but when the stock market is performing well, investors tend to shift their money from gold to equities, seeking higher returns and growth potential. The global stock market has been rallying since the bottom of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, boosted by the roll-out of vaccines, the fiscal stimulus, and the economic recovery.
The Krugerrand
Krugerrand gold coins are a type of bullion coin that were first minted in 1967 by the South African Mint. They are made of 22 karat gold and have a diameter of 32.77 mm and a thickness of 2.84mm. The obverse side features the portrait of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic, and the reverse side depicts a springbok, the national animal of South Africa. The name ‘krugerrand’ is a combination of ‘Kruger’ and ‘rand’, the currency of South Africa.
Krugerrand gold coins are popular among investors and collectors because they have a high gold content and are easy to trade. They are also legal tender in South Africa, although they do not have a fixed face value.
Decline of inflation expectations
Gold is also seen as a protection against the erosion of purchasing power caused by inflation, but when inflation expectations are low or falling, gold loses some of its appeal as an inflation hedge. The inflation expectations have been declining in recent months, partly due to the easing of supply chain disruptions, the moderation of energy prices, and the fading of the base effects from the previous year.
These are some of the main factors that have been weighing on the gold price lately, but there may be other reasons as well, such as the speculations, the market sentiments, and the geopolitical events that can influence the supply and demand of gold.