Gold price rises on softer dollar, but set for worst quarter in 4-plus years

New York (Mar 31) - Gold clawed back on Wednesday, boosted by a weaker dollar, but was still set for its biggest quarterly decline in more than four years as elevated U.S. bond yields dented its appeal.

Gold is down over 10% for the quarter and is on track for its worst quarterly performance since end-December 2016. It is also set for a third straight monthly decline.

“As we’ve seen bond yields stabilize and the dollar pull back off its recent highs, we have seen a little move off the lows in the gold market,” said David Meger, director of metals trading at High Ridge Futures.

The U.S. dollar edged off a near five-month peak.

The market also took note of a “very large structural stimulus plan”, Meger said, adding there is concern about inflationary pressures.

U.S. President Joe Biden will explain the funding of a $3 trillion-$4 trillion infrastructure plan, after saying 90% of adult Americans would be eligible for vaccination by April 19.

Bullion is seen as a hedge against inflation, but rising Treasury yields have challenged that status as they translate into a higher opportunity cost of holding bullion.

“Gold and silver markets seem to be looking beyond a third wave to focus on the projected vaccination progress, especially in the United States,” Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke said.

Silver rose 1% to $24.25, but was down over 8% for the month.

Platinum gained 3% to $1,189.50, while palladium climbed 1.3% to $2,622.38 and was heading for its best month since February 2020.

By 11:30am EST, spot gold jumped $25 to $1, 704, while spot silver sprung upward nearly 2% to $24.28.

Reuters