Bullion prices likely ease in 2018, says OCBC Bank

Bullion prices are expected to travel lower through this year, although a multi-faceted commodity it is, its status as a safe haven and a hedge against dollar weakness would weigh on the yellow metal’s performance, OCBC Bank reported.

The global economic outlook into 2018 should prove to be a rosy one; IMF tips global growth at 3.7 percent in 2018, a tat faster than an estimated 3.6 in 2017 according to their October WEO report. The recent FOMC dot-plot chart continues to suggest three more rate hikes next year (although the current futures curve is pricing in one to two more hikes instead). Global trade activities remain strong into end-2017.

As such, the uptick in risk appetite should necessitate yield-chasing behavior, while more rate hikes could bring about a more expensive greenback. Of course, upside risks to gold prices cannot be fully discounted; geopolitical tensions remain on the horizon, while uncertainties pertaining to US economic and trade policies could resurface into the next year. Moreover, higher food and oil prices may lift global inflationary pressures, in which gold could be a useful hedge against higher prices.

Given that the yellow metal is traditionally priced in US dollars, further strengthening of the dollar would result in fewer dollars (in nominal terms) needed to purchase the same ounce of gold. This results in a cheaper gold price as the dollar appreciates. Dollar value is largely driven by the strength of the US economy (as well as the prospect of Trump’s tax plan which is slated to cut corporate tax which in turn provide further support for growth) and higher domestic interest rates.

"We are likely to see another rosy global environment next year, which then underpins our bearish outlook for gold at USD1,100/oz into end-2018. However, should risk aversion intensify be it from geopolitical reasons, heightened inflation concerns, or from an unexpected slowdown in global growth momentum, the yellow metal may start to gain favor again," the report said.

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