Barrick Gold has confirmed that it has dropped plans to develop the Sedibelo platinum project in South Africa. Not to worry. The story for the metal has only just begun.
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 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.
Platinum rebounded early in ’09, and came back into the four digits, the metal’s highest value in over 12 weeks. In 2008 the metal went on a wild ride, hitting a peak of $2,290 per ounce, and then came crashing down to a three digit value. Despite the metal starting the year on a good note, RBC capital markets has cut its platinum price forecast for the next two years.
Platinum has shed 45 per cent of its value in just nine months. Last Friday the spot price of platinum hit a low of $812.75 per oz. Now, for this first time in 12 years gold has surpassed platinum in value.
The sharp retreat of the stock market, combined with a higher US dollar has triggered a broad sell-off in the precious metals. Spot platinum slipped to a session low of $794.50 an ounce, down 8.8 per cent from $871.50 an ounce late on Friday.
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, 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 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.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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