Platinum was mixed on Thursday, July platinum rose $2.40 to $1,207.60 an ounce, while September palladium declined $3.35 to $239.70. The drop in the three month contract price was related to declining crude oil. Last week, prices of both platinum and palladium climbed to their highest levels since November 2008-
Platinum is known as "high-octane gold", for its stronger price moves and prospects for a higher upside. Platinum is essential to the economies of many industrialized nations, globally, demand for platinum is the sum of; investment demand, industrial demand, and jewellery demand.
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 has been on a steady downgrade, falling since trading at a record $2,301.50 an ounce in March. A poor economic outlook eroding demand for jewelry and cars is responsible for the metal's flop.
Platinum prices will move downward for the rest of 2008 toward $700/oz as industrial demand continues to slump, bringing the annual average to $1,550—which still is higher than the $1,300 average of 2007. For full story, click here
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