Gold Prices Reach Highest Levels in Nearly Seven Months as Economic and Geopolitical Risks Drive Demand

Gold prices have been on the rise in Australia for some time now, with many investors seeking the metal as a safe-haven asset in the face of economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks. However, it is only recently that gold has started to shine in the United States, with prices reaching their highest levels in nearly seven months. From November to the end of December 2022, gold increased by around US$200 per ounce, and it has continued to rise in the first few days of January 2023.

There are several factors contributing to the rise in gold prices in the US. Recessionary fears, easing inflation, a pull-back in the US dollar, the Federal Reserve's (Fed) minutes, and geopolitical risks are all driving the metal higher, with analysts expecting further gains this year. Many experts believe that gold is a good investment in times of economic uncertainty and that it typically performs well when other asset classes struggle.

COVID-19 in China and Easing Inflation in the US Boost Demand for Gold as Safe Haven Asset

Inflation in the United States has also cooled down gradually, suggesting that the worst may have passed. The consumer price index jumped 7.1% year over year in November, down from a 7.7% year-over-year increase in October and a peak of 9.1% in June. This represents the lowest annual increase since late 2021.

As gold prices continue to rise in the US, it will be important to keep an eye on the various factors that are contributing to the trend. The US dollar, inflation, and economic indicators will all play a role in determining the performance of gold in the coming months. It will be interesting to see how the metal performs in the US as it continues to shine in Australia and other countries around the world.

In addition to these factors, widespread COVID-19 cases in China have added to the concerns over a long-term slump in its property sector, leading to increased demand for gold as a safe haven. Gold is often used as a means of preserving wealth during times of financial and political uncertainty, and it usually performs well when other asset classes struggle. Bullion prices were also boosted by increased safe-haven demand as the International Monetary Fund warned of a potential recession in 2023, with one-third of the global economy expected to be in recession this year according to the agency.

Gold Prices Rise as Weak US Dollar and Moderating Interest Rates Meet Struggling Global Economy

The relative strength of the US dollar and higher interest rates had previously put pressure on gold, but since November, the dollar has weakened and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes have moderated, leading to an increase in gold prices. The global economy is expected to have a worse year in 2023 than in 2022, which may contribute to an increase in gold prices. Gold typically rises during times of recession, high inflation, or economic uncertainty, and International Monetary Fund Chief Kristalina Georgieva has stated that the IMF expects one-third of the world economy to be in recession this year.

Gold Prices Expected to Rise in 2023 as Investors Seek Safe Haven Amid Economic Uncertainty

Edmund Moy, a former director of the US Mint and senior IRA strategist for gold and silver dealer US Money Reserve, believes that based on his experience during the 2008-09 financial crisis, signs point to higher gold prices this year. Moy would not be surprised if gold set new records, possibly reaching over US$2,100. Gold climbed to a record intraday high of US$2,089.20 on August 7, 2020, and reached as high as US$1,871.30 on Wednesday, the highest since mid-June 2022.

Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault, notes that gold typically sees gains in January, as investors review their portfolios and rebalance their holdings of bullion, equities, and bonds at the start of the year. The US dollar will be a key factor in gold's performance this year, with some predictions suggesting prices as high as US$3,000 per ounce. George Milling-Stanley, the chief gold strategist at State Street Global Advisors, believes that gold is currently in a "sustainable long-term uptrend" and expects to see gold above US$2,000 again this year.

Overall, the outlook for gold in 2023 appears to be positive, with a variety of factors contributing to an expected rise in prices. Precious metals may benefit as investors seek out safe-haven assets in the face of potential recession and inflation. It will be important to keep an eye on the US dollar and other economic indicators in the coming months, as they may have an impact on the performance of gold.

We gave our own preview of gold and silver price prospects here:
 

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