Etikett: Janet Yellen

Gold’s Resilience Strengthens in February

Gold’s Resilience Strengthens in February VanEckGold’s Resilience Strengthens in February

Gold’s Resilience Strengthens in February. Gold moved through the $1,200 level and showed resilience in February as a number of normally bearish factors failed to weaken prices. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s mid-February testimony to Congress indicated tighter monetary policies, and subsequent comments from regional Fed presidents reinforced Yellen’s hawkish views. This lifted the market odds for a March Fed rate increase and in response the U.S. dollar strengthened considerably, with the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY)1 up 1.9% for the month. The weakness in Chinese and Indian demand for physical gold seen in 2016 continued into the new year, and January Swiss trade statistics showed that exports to both China and India are below last year’s levels. In addition, markets in China were closed at the start of the month for the week-long lunar New Year holiday. At the same time, U.S. equities had a strong month with the Dow Jones Industrials Average (DJIA)2 setting a record of twelve straight days of new all-time highs above 20,000 beginning on February 9. While none of these events would typically be supportive of gold, bullion nonetheless gained $37.68 (3.1%) for the month. In fact, through the end of February, gold is up 8.3% and has outperformed the DJIA by 2.5% in the first two months of 2017.

We attribute the recent resilience of gold to three factors: 1) a new era of geopolitical uncertainty since Brexit; 2) February saw the first significant net inflows to bullion exchange traded products since the November U.S. presidential election; and 3) upticks in inflation have caused a decline in real rates. The February releases of both the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI)3 and the Producer Price Index (PPI)4 surprised analysts with their largest monthly jumps in several years. Annual core CPI inflation is now at 2.3%, putting it at the upper bounds of where it has been trending since the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Lackluster Yearend Reporting Highlighted by Downgrades and Increased Spending

In contrast to bullion, gold stocks lagged in February, as the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR)5 fell 3.9% and the MVIS™ Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR)6 declined 2.2%; however, January’s results have helped to keep the YTD returns strong at 9.2% and 15.3%, respectively. Most gold producers have reported yearend results and given guidance for 2017, but the reporting has been lackluster. Although most producers have met expectations, there have been a few negative surprises that have weighed on their stocks. Additionally, a couple of miners downgraded the quality of their reserves or lowered production forecasts, and a couple of others raised equity. Given higher gold prices, spending is on the upswing. BofA Merrill Lynch expects that North American senior and mid-tier companies will increase total exploration spending by 51% and new project capital by 32% in 2017. While this will reduce cash flow this year, it should pay off with discoveries and developments further down the road.

Gold Stocks Price Movement Not Fundamentally Driven

While these announcements cast a negative tone over the fourth quarter earnings season, they do not explain the significant underperformance of gold stocks relative to bullion. The weakness in gold stocks was exaggerated by the unusual trading on the afternoon of February 27. Gold trended lower beginning around noon that day as Robert Kaplan, President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, made comments supportive of a rate increase, which stimulated U.S. dollar strength. Gold ended the day with a $4.38 (0.3%) loss, reflecting a normal fundamental reaction to the news. In the same afternoon gold stocks reacted as if gold had taken a $30 beating. Trading volumes hit a historic daily high. The unusual trading and lack of fundamental drivers suggest that technically driven funds received sell signals that induced further stop loss selling. What prompted such sell signals is a mystery, but it has resulted in making stock valuations that were already attractive, dirt cheap. Miners will try to turn that dirt into gold.

Gold Looking for a Price Catalyst in 2017 (and It’s Not Likely to be Inflation)

Thus far in 2017, gold has lacked a catalyst that would move the price strongly higher. We believe such a catalyst is likely, but the source and timing are impossible to predict. In the coming months or years, it is our opinion, that a geopolitical, economic, or financial event that motivates investors to seek safe haven7 investments is likely. Given the easy monetary policies globally, recent expectations for growth, and the potential for trade protectionism, we understand those who see inflation as the next gold catalyst. Gold has always reacted strongly to inflation that is out of control. However, while we could be wrong on this, we do not believe that inflation will trend much higher. Much of the increase in inflation over the past twelve months can be attributed to the resurgence in commodities prices from very oversold levels. In our view, the commodities rebound is not likely to further drive inflation in the near term. The popular reflation theme relies on growth and government spending that may not be as strong as expected, as President Trump may face challenges passing his agenda through Congress. Lastly, the Fed seems poised to tighten policies for an extended period, which works against inflation. Until inflation or some other catalyst emerges, we believe that the gold price will follow the usual ups and downs this year but in general terms, will be well supported in 2017.

Substantial Cost Reduction Across Industry Stabilizing

We have just returned from the BMO Capital Markets 26th Annual Global Metals & Mining Conference held in Hollywood, FL, an annual gathering of metals and mining executives, including many gold producers and developers. It is becoming increasingly clear from the yearend reporting results across these mining companies that the substantial decline in mining costs of the past few years is beginning to reach its limits. While we see no mining cost inflation on the horizon, some companies are seeing costs level out. On average, all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for gold companies are now around the $900 per ounce level. Some companies, particularly among the majors, continue to guide for lower costs, which should enable the average to decline further in the next couple of years.

New Crop of Gold Companies Key to Future Growth

In basic terms, one of the most direct ways to create value for shareholders in the gold sector is to discover a piece of real estate in some remote part of the world that can be turned into a gold mine. There is a new crop of emerging producers that attracted significant attention at the BMO Conference. These are development companies that were able to advance projects through a very difficult bear market and are now favorably positioned producers in an improving market. What is remarkable is that each of these companies started production on time and on budget. There have been no indications of significant problems with these startups because they have been staffed with excellent talent and have been able to access high quality engineering and construction teams. Going forward, these companies are now focused on optimization, expansion, and exploration to help grow their businesses.

There are two routes a development company can take: 1) be acquired by a producer, or 2) build a mine. For shareholders, either outcome is attractive provided the mine is successful. Historically most large producers have grown through acquisitions, however acquisitions can be costly because they usually come at a premium. Thus far in this cycle, producers are using a different approach by taking equity stakes in early stage, pre-resource companies that they believe will develop winning properties. Meantime, emerging producers could become the mid-tiers and majors of tomorrow. As we expect production among the majors to stagnate or decline in coming years, these new emerging companies are helping to revitalize the sector. If the major’s current growth strategy does not pay off, these young companies could become the acquisition targets of the future.

by Joe Foster, Portfolio Manager and Strategist

With more than 30 years of gold industry experience, Foster began his gold career as a boots on the ground geologist, evaluating mining exploration and development projects. Foster is Portfolio Manager and Strategist for the Gold and Precious Metals strategy..

Please note that the information herein represents the opinion of the author and these opinions may change at any time and from time to time.

1NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR) is a modified market capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining for gold. 2MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR) is a rules-based, modified market capitalization-weighted, float-adjusted index comprised of a global universe of publicly traded small- and medium-capitalization companies that generate at least 50% of their revenues from gold and/or silver mining, hold real property that has the potential to produce at least 50% of the company’s revenue from gold or silver mining when developed, or primarily invest in gold or silver. 3Safe haven is an investment that is expected to retain its value or even increase its value in times of market turbulence. 4Tail risk is a form of portfolio risk that arises when the possibility that an investment will move more than three standard deviations from the mean is greater than what is shown by a normal distribution.

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Börsen fortsätter att rusa uppåt efter Yellens uttalande

Börsen fortsätter att rusa uppåt efter Yellens uttalande

Såväl den amerikanska som den svenska börsen fortsätter sin rusning uppåt i veckan efter det att FEDs ordförande Janet Yellen pekat på att de stärkta ekonomiska signalerna kan stödja kortfristiga räntehöjningar. Börsen fortsätter att rusa uppåt efter Yellens uttalande. Det amerikanska referensindexet S&P 500 steg tillsammans med de börshandlade fonder som replikerar avkastningen av detta index, till exempel SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEArca: SPY), iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEArca: IVV) och Vanguard 500 Index (NYSEArca: VOO). Det är värt att nämna att även finanssektorn som gynnas av högre räntor har haft en bra utveckling, något som märkts på hur kursen utvecklats för bland annat Financial Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLF).

Försenade räntehöjningar kan komma att tvinga FED att höja sina styrräntor

Yellen säger att försenade räntehöjningar kan komma att tvinga FED att höja sina styrräntor i en alltför snabb takt, något som i sin tur riskerar att hämma den amerikanska och den globala ekonomin. Hon säger att om FED väntar alltför länge med att ta bort den ackomodering som finns i dag så kan det leda till att FOMC måste höja räntan så pass snabbt och mycket att det kan leda till störningar på finansmarknaderna vilken kan driva ekonomin in i en recession. Vidare varnar Yellen för en osäkerhet under Donald Trump särskilt kring oron för hans ekonomiska politik. Hans expansiva ekonomiska löften har eldat på börsuppgången men hon säger att den nye presidenten har visat en brist på tydlighet i sin politik. Det är för tidigt att säga vilka politiska förändringar som kommer att införas eller vilka ekonomiska effekter som de kommer att leda till.

Ytterligare höjningar att vänta

Yellen vill inte säga något ytterligare om de tre räntehöjningar som kommunicerats skall äga rum under 2017, inte heller när de skall komma. De flesta tror emellertid att vi kommer att få se en räntehöjning redan i mars, följt av ytterligare en under juni 2017. Det finns emellertid ingen garanti för att det sker en räntehöjning under mars, men FED vill kunna ha den möjligheten och de finansiella marknaderna verkar ha prissatt att en räntehöjning sker under mars. Även om det blir en räntehöjning vill investerarna se en förbättrad ekonomisk situation, och att företagens fundamenta förbättras för att de skall handla upp aktiekurserna ytterligare.

USA S&P 500

S&P 500 (Standard & Poor’s 500) är ett aktieindex över 500 stora börsnoterade aktiebolag som handlas i USA. Det är det näst största indexet i USA efter Dow Jones Industrial Average. Aktierna som ingår i indexet handlas på New York Stock Exchange eller NASDAQ och väljs ut av en kommitté som väljer ut aktierna så att indexet ska vara representativt för USA:s industri. Företagen som räknas med i S&P 500 är alla amerikanska och har ett marknadsvärde på 5,3 miljarder US dollar eller mer. Indexet S&P 500 är utvecklat av institutet Standard & Poor’s i USA och underhålls av S&P Dow Jones Indicies som är ett samriskföretag, majoritetägt av McGraw Hill Financial. Samma företag ansvarar även för Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Yellen testimony highlights a Trump reality check

Yellen testimony highlights a Trump reality check

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen explicitly mentioned “fiscal uncertainty” in her testimony today at Capitol Hill, having re-iterated a similar statement in December. In simple terms, it highlights the FED’s worries over President Trump’s plans to reform the economy. Yellen testimony highlights a Trump reality check.

We empathise and find very little detail and credibility in his current proposals for tax reform and infrastructure spend when combined with his proposals for reigning-in the national debt.

At the core of his proposals is a direct conflict between his neo-populist statements made in the run-up to the election and his ambitions to reduce the size of the government deficit. Populist policies typically involve an increase in government spending, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget have estimated if President Trump were able to enact his spending in full the US could see government gross debt rise from US$14tr today to US$35.2tr by 2026. We estimate this would push the federal budget balance to -7% of GDP, well above the average since the 1970’s of 2.3% and close to the highs seen during the 2009 credit crisis.


(Click to enlarge)

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, four fifths of this increase in spending would be attributable to spending on social security, federal health spending and debt interest costs. In fact, to achieve a budget balance spending would need to be cut by US$6.5tr over the next 10 years, which seems a world apart from President Trumps spending plans.

In short, his proposed cuts amount to simple political theatre as they are unlikely to reduce the government debt burden by much, whilst his proposed spending plans are likely increase the government deficit substantially.

Either way, the reality check for Trumpism will be soon, with many expecting a skinny version of his budget to be announced at his scheduled address to a joint session of Congress on February 28th (We expect the “Green Book” detailed version in May). With the US debt a continued problem, expect a heavily watered-down version of President Trump’s election pledges. Yellen testimony highlights a Trump reality check.

James Butterfill, Head of Research & Investment Strategy at ETF Securities

James Butterfill joined ETF Securities as Head of Research & Investment Strategy in 2015. James is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the global research team, ensuring that clients receive up-to-date, expert insight into global macroeconomic and asset class specific developments.

James has a wealth of experience in strategy, economics and asset allocation gained at HSBC and most recently in his role as Multi- Asset Fund Manager and Global Equity Strategist at Coutts. James holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Geophysics from Keele University.

Kiwi strength sustainable?

Kiwi strength sustainable?

Market Insight – Foreign Exchange – Kiwi strength sustainable?

Surprise cut fails to halt NZD rally

On March 10th the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) surprised markets with a 25bp interest rate cut, citing international weakness and falling inflation expectations as key drivers. Even with the element of surprise, the move failed to halt the NZD’s recent rally, with the currency appreciating a further 2.1%* in the following fortnight on a trade weighted basis, contributing to a broader 5.8%* rise over the past seven months. The NZD has been a key beneficiary of improving risk sentiment and growing demand for high-yielding assets; with its domestic government bonds offering the best return of the G10 currency group (see Figure 1). However, the NZD/USD currency pair is approaching the peak of its recent trading range and the RBNZ appears likely to implement further monetary easing measures at its upcoming meetings; factors which, in the short term, may see the NZD correct lower.

Figure 1

(Click to enlarge)

Falling inflation expectations arouses concern

The recent strength of the NZD has surpassed the expectations of the RBNZ by some margin (with the trade weighted exchange rate sitting 4% higher than December projections) and is exacerbating central bank concern that falling inflation could embed itself in expectations. The latest monetary report revealed that results from business and consumer surveys monitored by the RBNZ indicate that inflation expectations have experienced a “material decline” in recent months (Figure 2); stoking fears that weakness could feed through to wage setting negotiations and trigger a deflationary spiral.

At the press conference following the monetary policy announcement, the RBNZ Deputy Governor identified the deterioration in inflation expectations as the “primary motive” behind the decision to cut rates in March. These concerns increase the importance of Q1 inflation numbers due on April 17th, as a poor reading will increase the likelihood of further interest rate cuts at the RBNZ’s upcoming meetings, which will likely place the NZD under pressure.

Figure 2

(Click to enlarge)

Top of recent range

A combination of dovish commentary from Federal Reserve Chair, Janet Yellen, and NZD strength has pushed the NZD/USD currency pair to the higher end of its recent trading range. From a technical perspective, since falling through the 0.69 level in June of last year the NZD/USD has struggled to breach this level for a prolonged period and so further gains to the upside appear unlikely.

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Golds Breakout Continues in February

Golds Breakout Continues in February

Gold and Precious Metals – Golds Breakout Continues in February

March 14, 2016
by Joe Foster, Portfolio Manager and Strategist
With more than 30 years of gold industry experience, Foster began his gold career as a boots on the ground geologist, evaluating mining exploration and development projects. Foster is Portfolio Manager and Strategist for the Gold and Precious Metals strategy.

Golds Breakout Continues in February

For the month ended February 29, 2016

Gold’s Bear Market is Over

We are willing to declare the gold bear market over. Is this the beginning of a new bull? Time will tell.

Since the Federal Reserve (the ”Fed”) raised the targeted federal funds rate on December 16, a number of changes have occurred in the markets that lead us to believe that one of the longest and deepest bear markets in the history of gold and gold equities may be over.

These changes include:

•    Waning conviction in the market regarding further Fed rate increases.
•    The U.S. dollar’s rise appears to have stalled.
•    Volatility and weakness in U.S. stock markets.
•    Strong gold prices despite seasonal weakness in Chinese demand.
•    Strong gold prices as oil and commodities have sunk to new lows.
•    Tremendous inflows to gold bullion exchange traded products (ETPs) and gold futures.
•    Technical breakout from an established downtrend.

Gold advanced $120.57 (10.8%) to $1,238.74 per ounce in February and is up $177.32 (16.7%) for the year [as of 2/29/16].

Growing Concerns About Global Financial Risks

Economic headwinds have escalated, from local occurrences in Asia and Europe to global concerns that now include the United States. The Institute for Supply Management’s (”ISM”) Non-Manufacturing Index fell more than expected in January and was weak in February as well. The U.S. has been in a manufacturing recession and the ISM reports suggest that the services sector, which makes up the bulk of the economy, is beginning to weaken.

Negative Interest Rates May Increase Gold’s Appeal

Worries about systemic financial risk have also escalated due to many European countries and the Bank of Japan employing negative interest rates on certain reserves. There are now trillions of dollars’ worth of sovereign bonds that trade at negative yields. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said recently that the Fed is evaluating whether negative rates are an option for monetary policy in the U.S. Meanwhile the president of the European Central Bank (”ECB”) has said the ECB is looking at expanding its stimulus. The Governor of the Bank of Japan (”BOJ”) stated last summer, ”If we judge that existing measures in the tool kit are not enough to achieve the goal, what we have to do is to devise new tools, rather than give up the goal.” If negative rates work their way into commercial deposits, it might undermine money market funds, pension funds, and the insurance and banking industries.

Negative rates may also increase gold’s appeal, as gold effectively has a better yield at 0% than negative rate accounts. The Wall Street Journal reports that in the month after the BOJ’s negative rate announcement, sales of personal safes rose as much as 250% in some stores. What we believe markets are telling central bankers in 2016 is that radical monetary policies have not produced positive results and that further financial engineering risks bringing down the financial system. So far this year, because of these concerns, gold has supplanted the U.S. dollar as the preferred safe haven investment.

South Africa Stands Out Among Gold Shares

Gold stocks are showing the leverage we expect in a positive gold market. The NYSE Gold Miners Index (GDMNTR) gained 36.1% in February while the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR) advanced 35.0%. While nearly all gold stocks have seen handsome returns this year, the South Africans have seen additional gains as a currency play, with some more than doubling this year in the wake of the collapse of the rand. We continue to see the geopolitical, operating, and other risks in South Africa as impediments to prudent investing. In addition, many of the highly levered (high cost and/or high debt) but lower quality companies have outperformed. It is not uncommon for short covering and momentum investing to propel low quality stocks in the early phase of a strong market.

What to Expect from Gold Miners in 2016

The junior gold stocks have lagged the larger producers, as evidenced by the 6.6% year-to-date underperformance of the MVGDXJTR relative to the GDMNTR. The performances of some of the mid-tier stocks have lagged as well. This lag is typical in the early phase of a newly rising market as investment flows start with the large companies. We expect the mid-tiers and smaller companies to outperform if gold continues higher.

By analyzing companies’ fourth quarter reporting, 2016 guidance, and our meetings at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Global Metals and Mining Conference, we have a better idea of what to expect in 2016 from gold mining companies. We have commented frequently about efforts to help reduce costs across the industry. It looks like the cost cycle is nearing its low point, as some companies are expecting further declines in 2016 and others are guiding to slightly increase. It is now common for companies to carry all-in mining costs of less than $1,000 per ounce. Large companies that were the perennial leaders 20 years ago are reasserting their roles. Newmont, Barrick, AngloGold, and Newcrest are the super majors that fell out of favor as they became bloated bureaucratic behemoths in the bull market. After several years under new managements, they are in the process of downsizing to become leaner, more efficient and more profitable companies. Barrick is targeting all-in mining costs below $700 per ounce by 2020. At the same time, company reports indicate that Barrick expects production to decline from 6.1 million ounces (before asset sales) in 2015 to 4.5 million ounces in 2020. Barrick also intends to reduce its net debt to zero. We think these are lofty goals, but if successful, they would solidify Barrick’s leadership and potentially reset the bar for the industry.

Gold Strategy Review: A Focus on Value Creation

Historically our investment strategy has tended to underperform during downturns in the gold price and outperform in positive gold markets, generating strong performance over the long term. However, based on our years of experience following the gold industry, we find our performance, and that of most actively managed funds in general, to be surprising so far this year given the rising gold price environment.

The overriding theme of our investment criteria, which has not changed, is value creation. Companies create value by taking an essentially worthless piece of property and turning it into a gold mine. This is what motivated me as a geologist in the ’80s and ’90s and it drives me now as a fund manager. So why is this investment style performing differently in 2016?

To answer that question we have undertaken a portfolio review and here are our conclusions:

•    As we mentioned earlier, South African mining stocks are on fire despite the risk mentioned earlier, with some gaining more than 100% this year. In the past, we have avoided South African stocks due to geopolitical risk, union strife, difficult deep mining conditions, and an unreliable power grid.
•    Highly indebted supermajors have outperformed. The market no longer seems concerned with excessive debt. We have been avoiding these stocks.
•    Beaten down companies with high costs and/or no growth have outperformed. We have avoided these fundamentally flawed names.
•    Mid-tiers and juniors that are creating value through growth have underperformed due to market concerns over project financing or acquisitions. These concerns began early in 2015 and gained momentum at the beginning of 2016. Some of these companies may need additional capital if gold prices average around $1,100 or less. We have been overweight in these stocks.
•    We believe most of the companies that fall into the first three categories are unable to create value outside of their ongoing operations. However, until we see the market again rewarding companies that fit our investment style, we must adapt. We are not abandoning our quest for companies that create value, just toning it down. Here are the key portfolio developments that have been made as of the end of February.

Investment considerations:

•    We continue to avoid South Africa due to risks. The outperformance is largely a function of a collapse in the rand, which we now believe is priced into the stocks.
•    We have said that the supermajors have done a good job of paring down debt. We initiated a position in Newmont last year and we continue to view the large caps in a more positive light. With the operating improvements and financial discipline evident throughout the bear market, these large caps are again able to attract the big funds.
•    We will consider more operationally levered companies if the relative valuation is compelling. However, some of these companies are in need of an acquisition to maintain production. We will continue to underweight or avoid potential acquirers until they make a transformative acquisition.
•    We have adjusted our exposure to mid-tier growth names until we see the market take a more positive view. We are not avoiding these companies, as we believe they are now acquisition targets for the majors. We have increased exposure to Australian mid-tiers and juniors. There is a reemerging gold sector in Australia that doesn’t carry the same financing stigma of its global peers.

Our overall top-down allocations have not changed much. However, the strategy has more names, fewer overweights, and a few new names in the top 10. As we had indicated at yearend, we have reduced royalty companies to rotate into producing companies. The portfolio will remain more diversified until we gain the conviction to make larger bets. Also, our investment universe will expand if gold stays above the $1,200 per ounce threshold.

Finally, despite these challenges, we find all this market action very compelling. Seeing the movement in South African and other stocks reminds me of the early phase of the bull market that started in 2001.

Fed’s Rate Hike: The Straw Breaking the Camel’s Back?

To appreciate what is going on in the markets this year, we believe investors must use a perspective that takes into account the post-credit crisis economy. We believe that the post-crisis monetary tightening cycle did not begin with the first rate increase, as it did in past cycles. Tightening began when the Fed began ”tapering” its purchase of government bonds in late 2013. Once the Fed stopped buying bonds, it talked about raising rates. Then on December 16, 2015 it finally increased rates by 25 basis points. We see this as the modern tightening cycle and it has been going on for two years. The Atlanta Fed’s Wu-Xia Shadow Federal Funds Rate model measures an overall tightening in financial conditions that occurred while rates were artificially held around the zero-bound by central banks. The Wu-Xia calculation estimates there has been a tightening that is equivalent to a 3.19% rate rise over the last two years. An economy that, in our opinion, is overburdened with regulations, taxes, uncertainties, and misallocations of capital is unable to grow without monetary stimulus. The December 16 rate increase was the straw that is seemingly breaking the camel’s back.

Three areas that we believe have underpinned the stock market have diminished as this tightening cycle has progressed:

•    Companies that took on debt when corporate rates were lower to buy back stock.
•    Risk averse investors who moved out of treasuries and CDs into higher risk stocks and junk bonds to generate yield.
•    The sovereign wealth funds of energy producing countries who must sell stock to help support their economies.

Flows in to Gold Stock Reverse Course

As markets seem to have passed a potentially historic inflection point, it looks like the money that flowed out of gold and into stocks and corporate debt over the last five years is beginning to reverse course. When a little of this money flows into gold stocks, it can have a big impact. The market cap of the global gold industry is only $205 billion, which is roughly one third (36%) of the value of Apple. While gold stocks have performed well this year, when factoring in the higher gold price, Scotiabank figures stock valuations of the senior producers are lower now than they were a month ago. We find that the valuations of many mid-tier and junior stocks are even more compelling.

Gold Breaks Out of Technical Downtrend

Gold has broken a technical downtrend that was well established. Following gold’s crash in 2013, it traded in a declining $150 range that in December stood at $1,050 to $1,200 (see chart below). Gold has clearly broken out of this range and until we see a new technical pattern emerge, it will be difficult to discern a trend. The next major technical resistance is at $1,600, which was the support level before the crash in 2013. However, we believe reaching this level is unrealistic in 2016, barring some sort of black swan event. At some point during the first half of 2016, we expect gold to pull back and consolidate. At that point, the depth and duration of the correction will help determine whether this is a new positive trend. We believe gold will be driven by a heightened undercurrent of financial risk as a result of growing distrust of central bank policies, global economic malaise, and overall market turbulence. Layered onto this is additional uncertainty brought on by Middle Eastern turmoil and widespread discontent with political leadership as evidenced by the U.S. presidential race and the British referendum on EU membership.

Breaking the Technical Downtrend – Gold Price Per Ounce (USD)

(Click to enlarge) Source: Bloomberg.

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