“Higher rates diminish the appeal of gold, which doesn’t pay interest, while a stronger dollar curbs demand for the metal as an alternative asset. Both forces have helped push gold futures down almost 6 percent this year,” according to Bloomberg.
Gold prices have recently stayed above the mid-August lows and a move close to $1,300 per ounce could trigger more buying. Rising interest rates have also stymied gold this year, but real rates are stabilizing, which could benefit bullion.
For more information on the gold market, visit our gold category.
Tom Lydon’s clients own shares of GLD.