Gold shines as inflation fears rise

After pausing for breath late last month, gold has taken off again over the past few days, approaching $990 an ounce early this week before dropping back to around $960 as traders took profits; it then headed up to a new record over $990. And the long-term bull run looks far from over.

Last week's tumble in the greenback was prompted by Fed chairman Ben Bernanke's evident intention to cut rates further despite high inflation. His desperate dash for growth at the expense of higher prices means "investors are being handed engraved invitations to protect their wealth by getting into the prime inflation hedges: precious metals", says Chris Weber on Kitco.com.

MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

With investment demand showing no sign of abating, the possible sale of 400 tonnes of IMF gold should be easily absorbed over time, as Fxstreet.com points out. Speculators have continued to buy gold despite rising prices, said Martin Hutchinson on Breakingviews.com, and as long as real global interest rates are low, this is likely to continue. Given that there is far more money available to invest now than in 1980, gold may well exceed the 1980 peak of $2,250 in today's dollars.

Explore More

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.