Gold :  A Word That Sparks Interest

Gold has been an interesting commodity to watch as of late, and for good reason. While market conditions and economic conditions have been improving as of late, gold continues to fly. In fact, year to date, gold has outperformed the S&P 500 with 2.4% gains in the S&P and about 3% gains in gold.  However, the gold bugs are lighting up as many believe that we’re just seeing the beginning. In fact, some believe that gold could have a dramatically positive year as all factors seem to be aligning perfectly. Pointing to inflation, a weaker USD, and coming rallies due to jewelry and gold decoration sales, the bulls are looking for great times ahead.

Inflation Is Headed Up – A Good Sign For Gold

One of the many factors that are important to pay close attention to with regard to the price of gold is inflation. At the end of the day, increases in inflation generally lead to gains in the values of globally traded commodities.  Most recent figures show that inflation is on the rise in the United States, which is a great thing for gold. In the month of December, year over year growth in inflation came in at 2.1%. While the news caused gold prices to fall slightly at the time, strong inflation generally leads to strong gains in commodities over time, which we’ve seen from gold in the first 3 months of 2018.

Inflation on The Rise in The US

Most recent figures show that inflation is on the rise in the United States, which is a great thing for gold. In the month of December, year over year growth in inflation came in at 2.1%. While the news caused gold prices to fall slightly at the time, strong inflation generally leads to strong gains in commodities over time, which we’ve seen from gold in the first 3 months of 2018.

A Weaker USD Is Likely To Help Push Gold

Another factor that the gold bugs argue is going to push the price of the commodity through the roof is a weaker USD. In general, a weaker USD in comparison to other global currencies makes gold more accessible around the world. This is the result of the fact that gold is generally priced using the USD mixed with changes in currency exchange rates as the USD weakens.

While the USD started the year off on a relatively strong note, over the past three months, the value of the currency has weakened against others, helping gold to outperform the S&P 500 thus far this year. Many believe that Donald Trump’s Presidency will likely continue to lead to weakening in the USD. At the end of the day, Trump has been clear that a strong dollar isn’t necessarily good for the United States. Therefore, the gold bugs say that his policies will likely continue to weaken the USD, helping to prop up the value of gold and other commodities.

Now Is The Time For Gold Jewelry And Decoration Demand

On top of the data surrounding inflation and the USD, the gold bugs point to one more positive. At the moment, we’re entering a season when gold jewelry and decoration demand starts to hit tremendous highs. Pretty soon, the wedding season in India will begin, and with gold being a key piece of any wedding in the country, demand for the precious metal is going to fly in the region. In general, this starts what we know to be the “Love Trade” in the gold industry with the Indian wedding season starting in September and the season of gold demand going through the Chinese New Year in February.

Gold Is Poised For Growth

Moving forward, there are several points of support for gold. With strong signals coming from inflation, the USD, and jewelry demand, we could see strong gains in the value of the precious metal ahead!