Gold, silver and other precious metals notched solid gains this week. But on Friday, goldfutures for February delivery declined $3.80, or 0.2%, to end at $1,687.00 an ounce on the Comex in New York.
The loss pulled prices back from Thursday’s more than one-month high, though gold still climbed 1.6% for the week for a second straight weekly advance.
The higher weekly close "may embolden gold bulls who are expected to come back into the market," MarketWatch relayed comments from Mark O’Byrne, research director at GoldCore. "Similarly, the surge in silver prices this week could lead to follow through technical buying next week."
Bulls overshadow the bears in weekly gold surveys. In Bloomberg’s survey of analysts and traders, 19 participants expect higher gold prices in the coming days compared to 10 who were bearish and 4 neutral. Kitco’s survey is also weighted bullish. "In the Kitco News Gold Survey, out of 33 participants, 26 responded this week.
Of those 26 participants, 18 see prices up, while three see prices down, and five see prices moving sideways," reports Kitco. "The gold market has put in a choppy trade for 2013, but after holding support at this week’s lows at $1,669.40 an ounce and then rallying on Thursday off of session lows to close with gains, most participants in the Kitco News Gold Survey said they expect prices to have enough momentum to take out resistance at the $1,700 an ounce area…" Year-to-date, gold is under performing when compared to other precious metals. It has gained $11.20, or 0.7%, in 2013.
Silver, Platinum and Palladium Futures
In other New York bullion futures on Friday and for the week: March silver prices added 12.2 cents, or 0.4%, to $31.932 an ounce. The settlement is a fresh, nearly five-week high. Silver led metals this week, rising 5.0% for a net gain of $1.52. Like gold, it also extended its weekly winning streak to two after falling for six straight. Platinum for April delivery fell $26.50, or 1.6%, to $1,674.00 an ounce.
Despite the sizable loss, for the week it gained 2.6%. While giving away the advantage Friday, platinum on Tuesday topped gold for the first time since April. That day’s gains of $31.70 came on news of planned production cuts from the world’s largest platinum producer. Sister metal palladium retreated as well Friday. March palladium dipped $3.40, or 0.5%, to $722.75 an ounce.
Palladium advanced 3.0% this week. Across the group of metals so far this year, gains include 5.6% for silver, 8.5% for platinum and 2.8% for palladium.
London Precious Metals
Precious metals in London were split with gold and silver higher and PGM’s lower.
When comparing the latest London PM fixings: Gold rose $13.50, or 0.8%, to $1,688.50 an ounce, Silver advanced 32.0 cents, or 1.0%, to $31.82 an ounce, Platinum shed $6.00, or 0.4%, to $1,677.00 an ounce, and Palladium dipped $3.00, or 0.4%, to $722.00 an ounce Each of the metals in London notched gains this week. Increases were 1.9% for gold, 3.7% for silver, 3.1% for platinum and 4.1% for palladium.
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