Platinum has bounced more than 30 percent since plunging to a five-year low of approximately $732 an ounce in October. This ascent is occurring despite the absence of physical buying from the industrial sector. This rebound, without appropriate technical recovery is puzzling analysts.
Platinum prices advanced further Tuesday after surging oil prices boosted the precious metal’s appeal as a hedge against inflation. Overall weakness in the dollar, the recovery in equities and fresh optimism over the economic outlook sparked buying of commodities in earlier trade.
Platinum prices slipped on Monday as the U.S. dollar resumed its rebound against the euro and the pound. Platinum is often used by investors as a hedge against a weakening dollar, so the dollar's recovery has made the metals less attractive.
Platinum futures in Tokyo jumped on expectations that rising inflation will drive up investor demand for the commodity as a hedge. For full news, click here
Tuesday, February 10, 2009