GOLD: Trading volumes of London physical gold are dwarfed by trading in US gold derivatives (futures, options, swaps), and this makes the price susceptible to manipulation, as does press reporting. Central banks bought a lot of gold during 2023 to lend backing to their self-issued fiat paper currencies. Still, as central bankers tend to be clever, sophisticated traders whilst they may have, in a sense, underwritten the market, I don't see their actions as having much contributed to current prices.
The main factors have been war fears and political/economic uncertainties. However, if military push comes to military shove, there's likely to be a movement into US dollars, which will buy food with a then-current adverse effect on the price of gold.
PALLADIUM: the platinum group metal is mainly used in the catalytic converters of diesel engine exhausts, and as consumers have orientated to petrol and electric vehicles, demand has reduced; the price has nearly halved.
PLATINUM: Surpluses of this metal look to be replaced by shortfalls, and using hydrogen-fuelled vehicles is a distant glint of sunshine for speculators in this metal.
All opinions given are just personal opinions based on market awareness and instincts. We are not Financial Advisers. The opinions expressed are not intended as and should not be read as recommendations to buy, sell or stock hold any metal or metal products. They are offered in good faith as simple opinions only.