Tiny but vital metal markets rush to adjust to Chinese clampdown
A bigger clampdown looks set to have far-reaching ramifications for supply chains feeding American defense and chip-making industries.
Gold extended its losses on Tuesday and is on course for its biggest intraday drop in nearly a month, as a buoyant dollar and higher yield took the shine off the safe-haven metal.
Spot gold fell 1.6% to $1,794.17 per ounce by 11:10 a.m. EDT. US gold futures were down 1.9%, trading at $1,799.10 per ounce in New York.
[Click here for an interactive chart of gold prices]
In the meantime, the US dollar rose 0.5% against its rivals, making bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.
“The gold market is seeing some retracement” with the dollar likely to advance further and pressure the metals, Daniel Pavilonis, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, told Reuters.
Gold scaled a four-week high on Friday after an underwhelming US payrolls report boosted speculation the Federal Reserve may push back the tapering of its bond purchases.
But “the reality is they (Fed) want to start to taper it off, so the (gold) market is going to look to position itself ahead of it actually happening,” Pavilonis added.
Gold is widely considered a hedge against inflation and currency debasement, which is caused by massive stimulus measures.
Further denting bullion’s appeal, benchmark 10-year yields also rose to an over one-week high, increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing bullion.
“In addition, the market is also starting to get a bit nervous because of another failed attempt to break above this key area of resistance around the $1,835 level,” said Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen.
(With files from Reuters)
