Will 2022 Be Gold's Groundhog Year?
Sunshine Profits | Jan 25, 2022 10:46AM ET
The World Gold Council believes gold may face similar dynamics in 2022 to those of last year. Well, I’m not so sure about it.
Have you ever had the feeling that all of this has already happened and you are in a time loop? Like in the movie Groundhog Day? I have. For instance, I’m pretty sure that I have already written the Fundamental Gold Report with a reference to pop-culture before.
Anyway, I’m asking you this, because the Gold Outlook 2022 ,” the gold industry organization writes that “gold may face similar dynamics in 2022 to those of last year.”
The reason is that in 2021, gold was under the influence of two competing forces. These factors were the increasing federal funds rate could create downward pressure for gold, but at the same time, elevated inflation will likely create a tailwind for gold.
The WGC acknowledges that the ongoing tightening of monetary policy as aggressively as members of the committee had initially expected.”
Second, financial market expectations are more important for gold prices than actual events. As a result, “gold has historically underperformed in the months leading up to a Fed tightening cycle, only to significantly outperform in the months following the first rate hike.”
I totally agree. I emphasized many times the Great Recession .
I also concur with the WGC that inflation may linger this year. Expectations that inflation will quickly dissipate are clearly too optimistic. As real interest rates are likely to increase, creating a downward pressure on gold prices.
I also believe that the WGC is too optimistic when it comes to the real interest rates and their impact on the yellow metal. According to the report, despite the rate hikes, the real interest rates will stay low from a historical perspective, supporting gold prices. Although true, investors should remember that changes in economic variables are usually more important than their levels. Hence, the rebound in interest rates may still be harmful for the precious metals.
Implications For Gold
What should be expected for gold in 2022? Will this year be similar to 2021? Well, just like last year, gold will find itself caught between a hawkish Fed and high inflation. Hence, some similarities are possible.
However, in reality, we are not in a time loop and don’t have to report on Groundhog Day (phew, what a relief!). The arrow of time continues its inexorable movement into the future. Thus, market conditions evolve and history never repeats itself, but only rhymes. Thus, I bet that 2022 will be different than 2021 for gold, and we will see more volatility this year.
Get The News You Want
In our particular situation, the mere expectations of a more hawkish Fed are evolving into actual actions. This is good news for the gold market, although the likely peak in inflation and normalization of real interest rates could be an important headwind for gold this year. Tomorrow, we will get to know the FOMC ’s first decision on monetary policy this year, which could shake the gold market but also provide more clues for the future. Stay tuned!
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