As platinum just start down the road to recovery, analysts are already warning that supply threats are likely to boost the metals price to new highs. Platinum prices may climb above $1,500 an ounce “in the next couple of years” as demand recovers amid supply constraints in South Africa, the world’s biggest producer, according to Banc of America Securities- Merrill Lynch.
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 prices, already on the positive track, got a boost this week from declining greenback and the announcement of GM’s Bankruptcy. GM’s bankruptcy is by no means a positive for platinum, as the auto industry accounts for approximately half of global platinum demand; however, platinum’s price has been reflecting the impending bankruptcy for many weeks.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009