The perfect storm has hit platinum in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and geopolitical events in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The impact of these events are specific to the platinum market in one regard: automotive demand. Nearly 40 percent of total platinum demand comes from the auto industry.
Platinum declined last week; and continued the trend this Monday as uncertainty over the future of US automaker GM put the metal’s near future demand outlook into question. In the current state of the economy, the auto industry is unable to lend support to platinum; but the metal may get some relief from rising safe haven appeal.
Platinum, once prized with value due to its rarity, has become one of the worst performers of the precious metals. So far this year, the metal used as an auto catalyst has shed 46% of its value.
Platinum plunged to a new low on Tuesday, dropping below $1000 an ounce for the first time since 2006. Platinum dropped $96.00, or 8.8%, to hit $994 on the London Metal Exchange. At its current price platinum is down 57% from its record high of $2301.50 hit on March 4th.
Platinum is following the recent base metal trend, a round of selling, as fears about the health of the US economy were reignited by the Lehman Bankruptcy. Oil, base metals such as copper, European equities, and U.S. stock futures all slipped sharply on the news.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011