Despite the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 suffering their worst day of the year on Tuesday, precious metals were able to decouple and climb higher. Gold futures for June delivery increased almost $17 to settle at $1,660, while silver gained 16 cents to close at $31.68. Although gold prices declined in March and had the media buzzing once again about a possible bubble, the world continues to be more interested in precious metals than ever before.

Outside of the United States, countries take their gold business very seriously. Earlier this week, a 30 year old Chinese woman was given the death sentence by a court in Wenzhou. According to Xinhua news agency, Wang Caiping cheated investors out of 100.11 million yuan, losing 94 million yuan in futures and gold trading. Xinhua explained that she borrowed the money in 2010 promising to invest in equipment and property, but used the money instead to speculate in futures and gold trading with her brother. Caiping’s defense lawyers claimed the investment activities were legal, but the court ruled that she had committed fraud and sentenced her to death for the large amount of money involved. Unlike the MF Global fiasco in the U.S., financial crimes in China carry heavy punishments.

The Chinese demand for gold still remains strong. According to GoldCore, China imported 40,000 kilos of gold bullion from Hong Kong in February, compared to only 3,115 kilos in the same month a year earlier. GoldCore explains, “Shipments were 72,617 kilograms in the first two months, compared with 10,564 kilograms a year ago or nearly a seven fold increase from the record levels seen last year. China’s appetite for gold remains strong and Chinese demand alone is likely to put a floor under the gold market.” The firm goes on to say that Chinese consumer demand for gold beat India for the first time in nearly three years in the fourth quarter and may surpass India as the largest gold buyer on an annual basis this year.

While well-known American investors such as Warren Buffett view gold as a “lifeless” asset, countries such as India view the precious metal as a way of life. Indian retailers went on a 20 day strike due to the government declaring in March that it would double import taxes on gold and place excise taxes on most gold jewelry. The new excise tax would also cause more regulation and red tape on jewelers. The new taxes caused an up roar and gold imports declined more than 50 percent. However, India’s gold-jewelry trade associations recently agreed to end the strike after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee promised to reconsider the new taxes. Prithviraj Kothari, president of the Bombay Bullion Association said, “All shops have reopened. Gold demand should pick up. In April and May total, imports will be around 100 tons,” according to WSJ. Gold is India’s second largest import item by value after crude oil.

Although it can be easy to be caught up in risk on risk off trading mentalities in gold, investors should bare in mind that gold is the unofficial world reserve currency and represents deep cultural beliefs in countries such as China and India. In addition to deteriorating financial conditions, these cultural beliefs and strong demand will continue to support gold prices in the years ahead.

For more analysis on our support levels and ranges for gold and silver, consider a free 14-day trial to our acclaimed Gold & Silver Investment Newsletter.

By Eric_McWhinnie

http://wallstcheatsheet.com

Wall St. Cheat Sheet : Only days after the S&P 500 crashed to the depths of hell at 666, the Hoffman brothers launched Wall St. Cheat Sheet: one of the fastest growing financial media sites on the web. Like a samurai, our mission is to cut through the bull and bear shit with extraordinary insights, a fresh voice, and razor-sharp wit. We provide the highest quality education and information for active investors, financial professionals, and entrepreneurs.

© 2012 Copyright Eric McWhinnie - All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.