The difference between physical gold investing and ETF investing was stark in the first quarter 2021 according to the World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends data released last week. Before focusing in on investment demand below a few notes on overall gold demand in the first quarter.

The debate between relatively new digital cryptocurrencies versus ‘tried and true’ gold has dominated most precious metals related websites. But what if gold and cryptocurrencies were combined? According to a Bloomberg article a NYC Real Estate Mogul, after learning about cryptocurrencies from his son, is putting this concept to work by securing a minimum of $6 billion in gold reserves to back his new cryptocurrency.

‘ESG’ is a great buzzword in investing right now. For years the momentum has been building for the idea that retirement savings should do more than keep you secure, it also should help the planet. Obviously, no one wants to hurt the planet since its our only home. ESG Investment is shorthand for Environmental, Social and Governance, which are the three lenses through which investments are to be ranked.

Gold has not made new highs in many months. Gold peaked last year at US$2067 on August 6. The 7 month down leg of more than 18% as been deep enough and long enough that some commentators are now saying that the bull market has now turned to a bear market for gold.  Losing faith is understandable because falling prices feel bad. But this week we want to show that current prices may not reflect reality.

ETF gold demand from investors has soared over the past year. The unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus were rolled out to tackle the effects of Covid -19. However, consumer demand, particularly but not surprisingly, jewellery demand slumped.

Governments are taking a page out of the play book that monetary policy began a decade ago – which will lead to even higher debt levels.

The two day rise in the gold price of more than US$50 fizzled out on Tuesday. The gold price is down about 7% (in US dollar terms) since its year-to-date high set on January 6. It is also down 13% from its all-time high set in August 2020. The silver price, boosted by social media attention, did not set its year-to-date high until February 1.

The LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) annual forecast survey published last week shows that forecasters expect the average gold price to rise 11.5% in 2021 to US$1973.8 (forecasters’ average) from the actual average gold price in 2020 of US$1769.6, and for the silver price to rise 38.7% in 2021 to US$28.50 from the actual annual average of US$20.55 in 2020. These expected averages show silver might gain three times more percentage than that of gold in 2021.  

There was, of course, a wide range of views among forecasters with a US$650 price difference between the highest forecast for the average price of gold for 2021 at US$2300 and the lowest at US$1650. And for silver the range was US$28 with the highest annual average forecast at US$47 and the lowest at US$19.00.

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Global confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed 100 million this week. There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has caused tremendous hardship and loss. To mitigate new cases climbing further, stricter lockdown and travel restrictions are being announced and implemented, with the curfew in the Netherlands as an example. Lock-down fatigue, as evidenced by the riots against this implemented curfew, is growing. Through it all, hope is on the horizon as vaccine roll-out plans are being implemented. Many governments continue to aim for herd immunity by autumn of this year.

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus has been pumped into economies around the world to help ease the economic devastation for both individuals and businesses. Building on hope for herd immunity being reached

The Massive $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan is Just the Start. Massive $1.9 Tr. American rescue plan to affect markets Yellen takes over at US Treasury, what to expectMore spending initiatives to comeHow all this is positive for gold and silver prices. The Biden Administration’s policies are positive for gold and silver prices.

Chris Vermeulen of TheTechnicalTraders.com joins Dave Russell of GoldCore TV.

The US dollar set for further dramatic declines?Negative interest rate policy spreadingIncreased global liquidity in attempt to ignite a recoveryDemocrats’ win paves way for massive stimulus packagesGold and silver set to rally strongly in a perfect storm.

Governments are likely to continue printing money to pay their debts with devalued money. That’s the easiest and least controversial way to reduce the debt burdens and without raising taxes.

Today we are taking our monthly look at the charts for gold and silver. We have now received news of 3 Covid19 vaccines that are seeking approval following successful trials and markets have sat up and listened.

“The Great Reset” is a term that we are hearing more frequently in the financial news today, but what exactly is “The Great Reset”?

In Episode 16 of The Goldnomics Podcast, Stephen Flood, Mark O’Byrne and Dave Russell discuss “The Great Reset” and how it could impact investors, what they can do now to prepare themselves and their finances and the role that gold plays in protecting your wealth.

Listen or watch the podcast here

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NEWS and COMMENTARY

Gold range-bound, caught between vaccine hopes and rising virus cases Wall Street edges higher on vaccine bets World shares slip as U.S. retail sales dampen vaccine euphoria

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Today we are taking our weekly look at the charts for gold and silver. After what has been the most unusual campaign season for both candidates, election day has finally arrived. Regardless of your political persuasions, both gold and silver look to be setting up for an explosive move higher.

As we continue to await the official result of the US Election, in the short-term financial markets remain volatile.