Platinum and palladium exchange traded funds are outperforming gold and gaining momentum as traders see signs of an expanding global economy.
The ETF Securities Physical Platinum Shares (NYSEArca: PPLT) gained 10.6% over the past three months and is currently trying to break out to its highest since 2011. Meanwhile, the ETF Securities Physical Palladium Shares (NYSEArca: PALL) surged 25.5% in the last three months. In comparison, the SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEArca: GLD) weakened 0.8% in the same period. [Platinum ETFs More Expensive Than Gold on Supply Disruptions]
On Wednesday, platinum futures were at their highest level in four months while palladium futures were near their highest since September 2011, reports Lewa Pardomuan for Reuters. [Palladium ETFs: 2013 Outlook]
Platinum and palladium have been outperforming gold on the improved economic outlook – both whites have heavy industrial applications, disruptions to mining operations in South Africa and dwindling Russian stockpiles that triggered supply fears. Meanwhile, the rally in riskier equities diminished the appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset.
The U.S. services sector expanded again last month, adding to a three-year run of growth. Meanwhile, European business optimism is at an eight-month high, which suggests a recovering Eurozone.
According to a Reuters survey, market observers expect palladium prices to hit a record average higher this year and platinum could post its best price performance in two years.