Platinum Falls Much More Than Gold

 | Jan 20, 2016 08:48AM ET

Platinum fell in price much more than gold

Platinum has become 35% cheaper in the last 12 months while gold lost only 15%. The gold could have found support in its purchases by central banks all over the world that are aiming at increasing the gold share in their reserves. In this context platinum is not less attractive than the gold but is less popular due to the higher volatility. As a result, the ratio of platinum to gold is currently at its lowest since 1984. Can the platinum prices correct upwards?

China has imported 9 tonnes of platinum in November 2015 which is 56% more than in October and is 47% more than in November 2014. Due to such an increase in activity, the premium to this metal edged up 8.2% in China compared to its price in London. It has been growing smoothly throughout the 2015 starting in January when the premium was minimal at 5.6%. The purchases of platinum may continue amid the fall of its prices to the 7-year lows at the start of 2016. HSBC bank forecasts its prices will edge up to $1005 an ounce this year and to $1195 an ounce in 2017. Gold prices may advance to $1205 and $1300 an ounce in 2016 and 2017 respectively. In the more long-term period, HSBC sees the platinum prices at $1450 an ounce.