Silver Shines Bright As Fed Decision Sets The Tone For Precious Metals"
EDITOR'S NOTE: Gold and silver investors have been closely following the recent Federal Reserve decision, revealed during this month's FOMC meeting, which maintained the benchmark Fed funds rate and outlined plans for two additional rate hikes this year. Gold and silver pricing exhibited mixed trends, with silver futures closing higher and gold futures remaining unchanged. Silver's short-term performance has outperformed recent gains in gold, with a percentage gain almost three times that of gold since late May. Factors contributing to silver's strong showing include its industrial component, increased demand driven by rising US equities, and its status as a haven asset. The dynamics between silver and gold continue to evolve, making it an interesting time for investors to analyze their short-term performance and potential returns.
Both gold and silver investors have focused on the recent decision by the Federal Reserve that was revealed at this month's FOMC meeting on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve decided not to raise its benchmark Fed funds rate this month after raising rates for the last 10 consecutive FOMC meetings beginning in March 2022. However, both the statement and press conference by Chairman Powell laid out a monetary policy that would incorporate two additional rate hikes this year, and maintain these elevated rates for the remainder of the year. The Federal Reserve's “dot plot” forecast indicated that the Fed funds rates would likely increase to between 5 ½% and 5 ¾%.
Gold and silver pricing were mixed today with silver futures closing higher and gold futures closing unchanged. As of 5:37 PM EDT, gold futures basis the most active August contract is unchanged on the day and fixed at $1970.70. Silver futures basis the most active July contract gained 1.35% or $0.32 in trading today and is currently fixed at $24.27. Although both gold and silver futures declined on the week, silver's short-term performance has outperformed recent gains in gold.
When we look at recent activity from the last week in May to current pricing both metals recovered from the strong price declines that began during the first week of May. The percentage gain in silver has been almost 3 times of that seen in gold since May 26th.
Source: Kitco News
On May 26, gold futures were priced at $1944 per ounce $26 below today's closing price of $1970. this means that over the last three weeks, gold has gained approximately 1.36%. Silver was fixed at $23.36 on May 26 and has gained approximately $1.34. Which is a percentage gain of 3.82% almost triple the return of gold.
Source: Kitco News
There are several reasons that silver is outperforming gold in the short-term. However, in this article, I will name what I believe are the two obvious variables at play. First, silver has an industrial component that does not exist in gold. Recent gains in US equities especially the tech-heavy NASDAQ composite have fueled greater demand for silver. Secondly, although both are considered to be haven assets, gold is the front-running precious metal utilized
as a haven investment. Because of that gold is more susceptible to rising interest rates.
Whether or not silver will continue to outperform gold is unknown. However, looking at both precious metals on a short-term basis it is clear that silver has outshined gold in terms of percentage gains and returns.
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Wishing you as always good trading.
Originally published by: Gary Wagner on Kitco News
