The Gold Report: Gold and silver have both demonstrated explosive growth in 2015. Why has this happened, and will it continue?
Mike Niehuser: Well, I am not sure that I would categorize a higher gold price in the first part of 2015 as “explosive.” Since the beginning of 2015, gold appears to be trading within a band of $1,200 to $1,300 an ounce ($1,200–1,300/oz). While this is not “explosive” from a broader perspective, it is certainly a relief compared to declines in 2013, so let’s just say gold has done well so far in 2015.
Despite declines over the last couple of years, gold is still well above its lows prior to Sept. 11, 2001. It has held up in spite of concerns for deflation resulting from a global economic slowdown. This has not been helped by loose monetary policies.
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I think the strength is in part due to what Sen. John McCain characterized as being in “an unprecedented period of global turmoil.” Russia has reclaimed the Crimea and is in the process of annexing eastern Ukraine. The same could be said for insurgents in Iraq and eastern Syria. Concerns over the repayment of Greek debt, nuclear issues in Iran and an unsettled path for a maturing China should keep things interesting for gold.
Also, it is not clear how the recent collapse in oil prices will impact the economies or political stability of oil-producing nations, such as Russia and Iran. The conventional solution seems to be economic sanctions, but it has been said, “When goods stop flowing across borders, armies soon follow.” At least North Korea is out of the headlines.
International anxiety may be good for gold prices …read more