9/26/2024
Gold and silver extend higher in anticipation of Chinese fiscal stimulus
OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: China's Politburo has pledged to deploy "necessary fiscal spending" to boost growth back to its 5% target. Citing sources, a Reuters article reports that the Ministry of Finance plans to issue CN¥2 trillion in sovereign bonds this year.
This comes on the heels of a surprise move by the PBoC earlier in the week that saw reserve requirements and key interest rates lowered. Bloomberg suggests the additional measures would "supercharge" China's stimulus.
"China’s policymakers are pulling out the stops," said David Qu of Bloomberg Economics. Qu noted that China is showing "an unusually high degree of urgency and determination to support the economy."
European stocks and bonds are rallying on mounting expectations that another ECB rate cut is in the offing. The latest ECB Bulletin sees scope for an uptick in inflation in Q4 before resuming the downward path to the 2.0% target in 2025. However, the central bank believes "risks to economic growth remain tilted to the downside."
U.S. durable orders for August were unchanged, better than the -2.6% market expectations, versus a revised +9.9% in July. The ex-transportation print was -0.5%.
The third report for U.S. Q2 GDP came in unrevised at 3.0%. Consumption was revised down to 2.8% from 2.9% in the second report. The price index was steady at 2.5%.
Initial jobless claims fell 4k to 218k in the week ended 21-Sep, below expectations of 225k, versus an upward revised 222k in the previous week. That's the lowest print since May. Continuing jobless claims rebounded 13k to 1,834k.
Today's U.S. data were generally positive, consequently, bets on another jumbo rate cut have moderated somewhat. The potential for a 50 bps rate cut in November stands at 52.1% currently, down from 57.4% yesterday.
GOLD
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: +$15.74 (+0.59%)
5-Day Change: +$76.87 (+2.97%)
YTD Range: $1,986.16 - $2,684.45
52-Week Range: $1,812.39 - $2,684.45
Weighted Alpha: +44.90
Gold has now set record highs in five consecutive sessions, nine of the last eleven. News that China will add CN¥2 trillion in fiscal stimulus on top of the monetary stimulus announced earlier in the week is the latest driving force.
While gold has retreated into the range after setting the latest ATH at $2,684.45, pullbacks are still seen as corrective and are expected to attract further buying interest. Initial support is marked by the overseas low at $2.656.34, which protects Wednesday's low at $2,652.08. More substantial supports are at $2,624.58 (24-Sep low) and $2,414.86 (23-Sep low).
With the latest Fibonacci objective at $2,674.84 satisfied and exceeded, focus shifts to $2,700.00/$2,709.14. Confidence in the longer-term target at $3,000 continues to grow.
Incrementum, the producers of the In Gold We Trust report, reminded us via X that their bullish projection from 2020 is "almost exactly on track." Incrementum sees potential to $4.821 by 2030!
The most recent In Gold We Trust report 2024 was released in May and is well worth a read if you haven't done so already. The yellow metal is up nearly 13% since the report came out.
SILVER
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: +0.811 (+2.55%)
5-Day Change: +$1.240 (+4.03%)
YTD Range: $21.945 - $32.657
52-Week Range: $20.704 - $32.657
Weighted Alpha: +46.19
Silver clearly likes the idea of "supercharged" Chinese stimulus. The white metal established a new 12-year high of $32.657 before retreating into the intraday range. Silver has gained more than 37% year-to-date.
The violation of the May high at $32.379 reestablishes the 4-year uptrend off the $11.703 low from March 2020. The $33.00 psychological barrier is the next upside target. Beyond that, there's a Fibonacci projection at $33.972.
The next major level I'm watching is $35.217 which marks 61.8% retracement of the entire decline from $49.752 (April 2011 high) to $11.703.
The Asian low at $31.799 remains protected thus far, keeping yesterday's low at $31.642 at bay. Pullbacks are expected to be viewed as buying opportunities with Chinese stimulus and a global bias toward monetary easing expected to provide a persistent tailwind for the market.
Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
Tornado Precious Metals Solutions by Zaner
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.ZanerPreciousMetals.com
www.TornadoBullion.com
X: @GrantOnGold
X: @ZanerMetals
Facebook: @ZanerPreciousMetals
Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.
9/25/2024
Gold sets another new high as silver consolidates Tuesday's gains
OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: The U.S. is sending an additional $375M in military supplies to Ukraine, including controversial cluster munitions. Ukraine is still trying to get clearance to use U.S. and UK long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russia.
President Biden said in his final speech before the UN General Assembly, "We will not let up on our support for Ukraine, not until Ukraine wins with a just, durable peace." Meanwhile, President Zelensky of Ukraine contends that "Russia can only be forced into peace." Biden is scheduled to meet with Zelenskiy on Thursday.
President Biden also urged Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal that's on the table. "Full scale war is not in anyone's interest, even if situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible," said Biden.
These two wars are almost certain to outlast Biden's presidency and pose geopolitical challenges for the next administration. Countering growing regional influence by the likes of Russia, China, and Iran will also continue to test the next president.
The yuan reached a 16-month high against the dollar as markets digest China's largest stimulus since the COVID crisis. The market is broadly expecting additional PBoC stimulus.
The greenback has been under pressure since mid-year as markets initially looked forward to the Fed beginning its easing campaign. interest rate cuts and now anticipate further easing.
The dollar index set a new low for the year last week at 100.21 and this level remains under pressure. A challenge of last year's low at 99.58 is anticipated. If this level also gives way, focus will shift to a Fibonacci level at 78.6.
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) reports that global debt rose by $2.1 trillion to reach a record $312 trillion. Estimates for 2024 global GDP are around $108 trillion, resulting in a debt-to-GDP ratio approaching 300%. Most of the recent rise is global debt is attributable to the U.S. and China.
"With the Fed’s new easing cycle expected to accelerate the pace of global debt buildup, a significant concern is the apparent lack of political will to address rising sovereign debt levels in both mature and emerging market economies," the IIF report said.
As debt burdens continue to grow, countries must allocate an ever-greater share of revenue to servicing that debt. While lower interest rates may lighten the load, the risks to growth are considerable.
U.S. mortgage applications surged 11% in the week ended 20-Sep. Refinancings accounted for most of the gains as 30-year mortgage rates fell to 23-month lows.
New home sales fell 4.7% to 716k in August on expectations of 700k, versus a revised 751k in July. Home inventories rose 1.7% to 467k and the median price fell 2.0% as lower mortgage rates may finally be loosening up an extremely tight real estate market.
GOLD
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: -$1.42 (-0.05%)
5-Day Change: +$97.05 (+3.79%)
YTD Range: $1,986.16 - $2,667.22
52-Week Range: $1,812.39 - $2,667.22
Weighted Alpha: +44.32
Gold set another record high in overseas trading, pulling within striking distance of the $2,674.84 Fibonacci objective. While the yellow metal has retreated into the range, high geopolitical tensions, rising expectations for another jumbo Fed rate cut, and a weak dollar offer ongoing support.
Fed funds futures now show a 59.5% chance of a 50 bps cut at the November FOMC meeting. That's up modestly from 58.2% yesterday. However, the odds of another 50 bps cut were just 37% a week ago when the Fed announced its initial half-point move.
Initial support is marked by a minor intraday chart point at $2,652.08. More substantial supports are found at $2,614.86, $2,600.00/$2,597.42, and $2,585.74/$2,584.84. Dips that approach $2600 are likely to be viewed as buying opportunities.
The World Gold Council reports that Indian gold demand has normalized since the government significantly cut import duties. However, demand remains strong as we move deeper into the important festival and wedding season that extends through year-end.
The WGC sees potential for improved rural consumption due to a good monsoon season and expectations for higher crop yields. When farmers experience better economic conditions, they buy more gold. Record-high prices are not necessarily a deterrent, particularly if they anticipate the uptrend will continue.
The Reserve Bank of India has bought gold every month of this year through August. The RBI's YTD total stands at 50 tonnes.
While central bank buying is expected to remain a driving force in the gold market, the central bank of the Philippines acknowledged that they were a seller in H1. BSP selling was a strategic move that if anything reinforces the advantage of holding gold as a reserve asset.
"The BSP took advantage of the higher prices of gold in the market and generated additional income without compromising the primary objectives for holding gold, which are insurance and safety." according to a press release. I expect the BSP to be a buyer in the future as circumstances warrant.
Silver is consolidating at the upper end of yesterday's range. The white metal surged 4.6% on Tuesday to close above $32 for the first time since 28-May.
An eventual breach of the $32.379 high from 21-May would establish 12-year highs and signal that the longer-term uptrend is back underway. Such a move would shift focus to $33.972 initially based on a Fibonacci projection.
There's another Fibonacci level at $35.217, which marks 61.8% retracement of the entire decline from $49.752 (April 2011 high) to $11.703 (March 2020 low). This level also makes a logical secondary objective pending new highs for the year.
I continue to see the basic supply/demand dynamics for silver as broadly supportive. China's latest stimulus program, and expectations for additional accommodations, provide an additional tailwind.
Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
Tornado Precious Metals Solutions by Zaner
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.ZanerPreciousMetals.com
www.TornadoBullion.com
X: @GrantOnGold
X: @ZanerMetals
Facebook: @ZanerPreciousMetals
Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.
9/24/2024
Gold and silver continue to march higher
OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: China's central bank initiated a sweeping stimulus program to halt disinflation and shore up flagging economic growth. The PBoC cut reserve requirements and key interest rates which could unleash up to ¥1 trillion in additional capital at lower borrowing costs.
New swap and funding facilities were announced, providing an initial ¥800 bln in liquidity to support the stock market. A stock stability fund is reportedly being considered as well.
Chinese stocks soared in response. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up more than 4% and is back within 3% of its high for the year.
The PBoC also sought to address the ongoing property crisis by lowering downpayment requirements and cutting existing mortgage rates by 50 bps.
It is widely believed that additional stimulus will be forthcoming. Many see fiscal stimulus as necessary to revive China's economic recovery.
Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon continue to trade cross-border strikes on Tuesday. Tensions remain extremely high with the risk of a broader regional conflict after Lebanon reported that more than 500 were killed on Monday.
Fed Governor Michelle Bowman (centrist-hawk) warns that inflation remains a threat. She worries that last week's 50 bps rate cut “could be interpreted as a premature declaration of victory on our price-stability mandate." Bowman was the lone dissenter in last week's Fed decision, favoring a more cautious 25 bps cut.
The Case-Shiller home price index and the FHFA home price index both reached new record highs in July. Lower mortgage rates driven by easier Fed policy will likely increase demand in a still-hot housing market. I think rates need to come down quite a bit more before homeowners consider rotating out of mortgages with 3 and 2 handles thereby increasing supply.
Consumer confidence tumbled 4.6 points to 98.7 in September, below expectations of 103.0, versus 103.3 in August. It was the largest decline since August 2021. The labor market diffusion index fell to a 42-month low of 12.6. “The deterioration across the Index’s main components likely reflected consumers concerns about the labor market and reactions to fewer hours, slower payroll increases, fewer job openings," said Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board.
The Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index fell two points to a post-COVID low of -21 in September, well below expectations of -12, versus -19 in August. The employment component tumbled seven points to −22, the lowest print since April 2009.
Median expectations for September nonfarm payrolls are +145k, but recent labor market readings make me think there's a risk once again for a downside surprise. Perhaps not surprisingly the prospects for another 50 bps rate cut in November are on the rise.
GOLD
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: +$5.04 (+0.19%)
5-Day Change: +73.96 (+2.88%)
YTD Range: $1,986.16 - $2,647.09
52-Week Range: $1,812.39 - $2,647.09
Weighted Alpha: +43.42
Gold continues to trend higher, buoyed by news of Chinese stimulus, high geopolitical tensions, political uncertainty in the U.S., expectations of more Fed rate cuts, and a soft dollar. The yellow metal is also being helped by surging silver. Gold's latest record high is $2,647.09.
Fed funds futures now favor a 50 bps rate cut in November. The probability for a cut to 4.25%-4.50% now stands at 58.1%, up from 53% yesterday, 29% a week ago, and 13.1% a month ago.
Short-term focus remains on the $2,674.84 Fibonacci objective. Beyond that, the next psychological barrier at $2,700 would be the attraction. Further out, the $3,000 level looks increasingly attractive.
Setbacks into the range are expected to attract additional buying interest. Initial support is marked by an intraday chart point at $2,641.27. Below that, additional supports are noted at $2,614.86, $2,600.00/$2,597.42, and $2,585.74/$2,584.84.
SILVER
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: +0.226 (+0.74%)
5-Day Change: +$1.200 (+3.91%)
YTD Range: $21.945 - $32.379
52-Week Range: $20.704 - $32.379
Weighted Alpha: +45.33
Silver is surging, boosted by China's biggest stimulus package since COVID with more thought to be in the offing. The white metal is up more than 4% today.
Gains accelerated following the breach of important resistance at $31.652 (11-Jul high) which likely triggered longer-term stops and cleared the way for a challenge of the high for the year at $32.379 (21-May). An eventual breach of the latter would establish new 12-year highs and shift focus to $33.972 based on a Fibonacci projection.
China is the world's largest consumer of silver and many other commodities as well. Not surprisingly, the commodity sector is celebrating the Chinese stimulus.
Former resistance at $31.652 now marks first support. Secondary supports are noted at $31.413 and $31.249.
Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
Tornado Precious Metals Solutions by Zaner
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.ZanerPreciousMetals.com
www.TornadoBullion.com
X: @GrantOnGold
X: @ZanerMetals
Facebook: @ZanerPreciousMetals
Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.
9/23/2024
Gold sets new record highs as silver fails to sustain gains above $31
OUTSIDE MARKET DEVELOPMENTS: Israel's war intensified on its northern border after escalated rocket and missile attacks by Hezbollah prompted more Israeli airstrikes inside Lebanon. “It is clearly a very dangerous situation and clearly has a potential of escalating dramatically,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Israel continues to prosecute the war against both Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north, despite international pressure for a ceasefire. "We're going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out," asserted President Biden. The U.S. is reportedly sending additional troops to the region.
Eurozone HCOB flash manufacturing PMI tumbled to a 9-month low of 44.8 in September, below expectations of 45.7, versus 45.8 in August. Services PMI fell to a 7-month low of 50.5 on expectations of 52.3, from 52.9 in August.
Despite mounting growth risks in Europe, ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks believes service price inflation is the bigger worry. “In my opinion, the risk of service price inflation is still more significant at the moment," said Kazaks. Such concerns may push the next ECB rate cut into December.
After the BoJ held steady on rates last week, BoJ Governor Ueda indicated that the central bank is in no hurry to hike again. While Ueda sees the Japanese economy as "moving in line with our forecasts," he believes the outlook for the U.S. economy has become more uncertain.
The yen weakened in response, providing some underpinning for the dollar. However, the dollar index remains generally weak within striking distance of last year's low at 99.58 after the Fed launched its easing campaign last week with an oversized 50 bps cut.
It appears that Congress has reached a short-term funding compromise that will avert a government shutdown until after the election. The outcome of the November elections will certainly pose challenges for passing a budget before the new deadline of 20-Dec.
Chicago Fed President Austin Goolsbee (centrist-hawk/nonvoter) believes rates need to come down significantly over the next year. The market has priced in an additional 50 bps in cuts for the remainder of this year, with the Fed's dot plots projecting a Fed funds rate of 2.9% in H1'26.
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index rebounded to 0.12 in August from a negative revised -0.42 in July. The 3-month moving average remained in negative territory for the 23rd month.
U.S. flash manufacturing PMI fell 0.9 points to 47.0 in September. The preliminary read on services PMI came in at 55.4, down from 55.7 in August.
Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence worries that "intensifying political uncertainty" poses a substantial headwind to the economy. Williamson also notes a "reacceleration of inflation" that could be a hawkish influence on Fed interest rate decisions moving forward.
GOLD
OVERNIGHT CHANGE THROUGH 6:00 AM CDT: -$0.29 (-0.01%)
5-Day Change: +$47.93 (+1.86%)
YTD Range: $1,986.16 - $2,633.96
52-Week Range: $1,812.39 - $2,633.96
Weighted Alpha: +42.45
Gold continues to set record highs amid heightened geopolitical tensions, last week's launch of the Fed's easing cycle, and a generally soft dollar. While momentum has waned somewhat, the yellow metal has traded as high as $2,633.96 in the U.S. session.
The next upside target is $2,674.84 based on a Fibonacci projection. Beyond that, the next psychological barrier at $2,700 attracts. The Fed dots project another 185 bps in rate cuts in the cycle, which poses a significant headwind for the dollar and makes $3,000 gold look increasingly appealing.
Short-term setbacks are likely to be viewed as buying opportunities. Initial support is marked by the overseas low at $2,614.86. Secondary supports are at $2,600.00/$2,597.42 and $2,585.74/$2,584.84.
Global ETFs saw 3 tonnes in inflows last week. Solid interest from North American investors – to the tune of 8.1 tonnes – more than offset European and Asian outflows. Net inflows have been recorded in five of the last six weeks.
The COT report for last week showed that the speculative net long position surged by 27.6k to 310.1k contracts. That's the biggest long position since 03-Jun 2020.
Silver is back on the defensive after setting a 10-week high at $31.413 on Friday. Today's global PMI readings indicate ongoing weakness in manufacturing that could adversely impact demand for the white metal.
However, more record highs in gold are seen as a supporting factor for silver as investors seek a less expensive alternative to the classic safe haven. A short-term breach of the July high at $31.652 is needed to put the high for the year at $32.379 (21-May) in play.
The net speculative long position in silver futures rose 13.6k to 58.3k contracts on last week's rally according to the CME's COT data. It's the biggest net-long position in nine weeks.
CFTC Silver speculative net position
The German auto industry is demanding more subsidies to stimulate flagging electric vehicle sales. The auto industry currently uses about 80M ounces of silver annually. However, EVs require nearly 75% more silver than conventional ICE vehicles.
Broader adoption of EVs would be good for the silver market. As of last year, only 3.2% of vehicles on the road were electric. That suggests there's plenty of room for growth, but consumers still prefer their gas-fueled cars.
Peter A. Grant
Vice President, Senior Metals Strategist
Zaner Metals LLC
Tornado Precious Metals Solutions by Zaner
312-549-9986 Direct/Text
[email protected]
www.ZanerPreciousMetals.com
www.TornadoBullion.com
X: @GrantOnGold
X: @ZanerMetals
Facebook: @ZanerPreciousMetals
Non-Reliance and Risk Disclosure: The opinions expressed here are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as trade recommendations, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any precious metals product. The material presented is based on information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate, complete, and/or up-to-date, and it should not be relied on as such. Opinions expressed are current as of the time of posting and only represent the views of the author and not those of Zaner Metals LLC unless otherwise expressly noted.
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