The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSEArca: GDX) and the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSEArca: GDXJ), the two largest gold miners exchange traded funds, are up an average of nearly 27% to start 2017, but that could be a sign gold miners are ready for a breather.
GDX is comprised of global gold miners, with a notable tilt toward Canadian and U.S. mining companies.
In the face of a stronger dollar and speculation that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates as many as three times this year, gold prices could move modestly higher with some help from emerging markets, namely China and India. However, the dollar has recently retreated in noticeable fashion, helping aid gold’s ascent along the way.
“Gold and gold stocks appear to have a bit more upside potential but the medium term outlook urges caution and patience. The miners and Gold are nearing strong resistance at a time when the US Dollar index could be firming around 100. Regardless of where and when this rebound ends, the precious metals sector could be poised for a big move higher following the next medium term correction or consolidation,” according to ETF Daily News.
Risk-tolerant traders willing to bet on more upside in gold miners with leveraged ETFs such as the Direxion Daily Gold Miners Bull 3X Shares (NYSEArca: NUGT) and the Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Index Bull 3X Shares (NYSEArca: JNUG).
Stock fundamentals like cost deflation across the mining industry, share valuations below long-term average and rising M&A are all supportive of the miners space as well, but those fundamentals could be glossed over if the dollar strengthens.
Gold has enjoyed greater demand in a low interest-rate environment as the hard asset becomes more attractive to investors compared to yield-bearing assets. However, traders lose interest in gold when rates rise since the bullion does not produce a yield.
Gold “has lagged the miners but nearly reached $1250/oz this week. It closed the week at $1236/oz. There is a strong confluence of resistance at $1250/oz and we note the 200-day moving average at $1266/oz. If the rally has a bit more time left then Gold has a good shot to reach $1266/oz. Also, as we noted a few weeks ago, Gold’s performance against the other asset classes will help inform us if Gold can hold onto recent gains or if it’s headed for a big retracement. The bullish scenario would entail Gold maintaining recent gains against foreign currencies and bonds while showing strength against global equities,” notes ETF Daily News.
For more information on the gold market, visit our gold category.