Latest news with #BrianLan
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Is platinum on its way to become the next gold in investing?
In 2025, platinum has emerged as a surprising frontrunner in the world of precious metals, capturing the attention of investors who once focused solely on gold. Platinum rose one per cent to $1,336.08 on Thursday. Earlier in the session, the metal hit $1,348.72, its highest level since September 2014, Reuters reported. 'Platinum lease rates are high, so the refineries are not looking to manufacture because the cost is much higher. So demand is coming, but there's not enough supply... above ground inventory is tight,' said Brian Lan, managing director at GoldSilver Central, Singapore. Platinum lease rates refer to the cost of borrowing platinum for a set period of time. High lease rates can indicate a shortage of platinum in the market. With a remarkable surge of nearly 49 per cent this year, platinum has outpaced both gold and silver, prompting many to ask: could platinum be the next gold in terms of capital gains? The answer lies in a combination of industrial demand, supply constraints, and a shifting global energy landscape. Platinum isn't just a precious metal — it's a workhorse in the industrial world. It plays a critical role in catalytic converters for vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and other clean energy technologies. As the world accelerates toward decarbonisation, platinum's relevance has only grown. At the same time, supply has tightened. Mining output dropped by 13 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, contributing to a projected market deficit of nearly one million ounces. According to the Platinum Quarterly, the platinum market is expected to record a deficit of 966,000 ounces this year, which follows a 992,000 ounces deficit in 2024. The forecast platinum market deficit for 2025 has been increased from the 848 koz reported in March primarily due to upward revisions in global platinum demand. This imbalance between supply and demand has helped drive prices upward. Despite this rally, platinum still trades at just over half of its 2008 all-time high, making it appear undervalued—especially when compared to gold, which is currently at record levels. This relative undervaluation, combined with its industrial utility, has made platinum an increasingly attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Gold, long considered the ultimate safe haven, remains a strong performer with gains of around 30 per cent this year. But platinum's dual identity—as both an industrial and investment metal—offers a different kind of opportunity. It's more volatile, yes, but also potentially more rewarding. 'A combination of industrial demand, supply constraints, clean energy applications and pricing make platinum the most attractive precious metal in 2025,' Kent Thune, analyst at wrote. In short, while gold continues to shine, platinum is beginning to sparkle in its own right. For investors willing to embrace a bit more risk in exchange for higher potential returns, platinum may very well be the metal to watch.
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Iran-Israel tensions: Gold surges, Platinum hits 10-year high
Image credit: Getty Images Gold prices gained on Thursday, June 19, as the Iran-Israel tension entered its seventh day, while platinum rose to a more than 10-year high on expectations of a supply shortfall. Spot gold was up 0.1 per cent at $3,371.15 an ounce, as of 0526 GMT. US gold futures fell 0.6 per cent to $3,388.60. Read- 'Gold has made a modest bounce as we await the next steps in the Israel-Iran conflict. If the US does decide to get directly involved, this could raise the geopolitical stakes,' KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said. Gold edges up amid heightened geopolitical tensions Gold is often used as a safe store of value during times of geopolitical and financial uncertainty. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday. Fed policymakers still forecast slashing rates by half-a-percentage point this year, but they have slowed the pace of future cuts. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned against putting too much weight on this outlook, warning of 'meaningful' inflation ahead as higher import tariffs loom. Elsewhere, platinum rose 1 per cent to $1,336.08. Earlier in the session, the metal hit $1,348.72, its highest level since September 2014. Platinum surges to 10-year high on supply concerns 'Platinum lease rates are high, so the refineries are not looking to manufacture because the cost is much higher. So demand is coming, but there's not enough supply… above ground inventory is tight,' said Brian Lan, managing director at GoldSilver Central, Singapore. Platinum lease rates refer to the cost of borrowing platinum for a set period of time. High lease rates can indicate a shortage of platinum in the market.
Jordan News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Gold Retreats from 4-Week High as Dollar Gains Slightly - Jordan News
Gold Retreats from 4-Week High as Dollar Gains Slightly Gold prices declined on Tuesday, pulling back from their highest level in nearly four weeks, as a slight recovery in the U.S. dollar weighed on the yellow metal. However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.–China trade talks kept investor caution intact and limited the downside. اضافة اعلان Spot gold fell 0.5% to $3,362.57 per ounce as of 04:29 GMT, after earlier hitting its highest since May 8. U.S. gold futures dipped 0.3% to $3,386.60. Gold had previously jumped about 2.7% in the prior session, marking its strongest daily gain in over three weeks. 'The dollar recovered slightly, and gold fell—so they are moving inversely at this point,' said Brian Lan, Managing Director at GoldSilver Central in Singapore. Despite the dip, gold continues to track global trade developments closely. While there was a minor pullback in investor positions, it wasn't as steep as during previous moments of apparent de-escalation in trade tensions, Lan added. The U.S. Dollar Index also recovered slightly from a six-week low, maintaining its influence on gold pricing. Trade Tensions in Focus: A call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected this week, according to the White House. The U.S. plans to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50% on Wednesday, coinciding with the deadline set by the Trump administration for countries to improve their trade offers. The European Commission announced it will present strong arguments this week for the U.S. to reduce or eliminate these tariffs, despite Washington's intention to increase them. Other Precious Metals: Silver: down 1.9% to $34.12/oz Platinum: up 0.1% to $1,064.66/oz Palladium: down 0.1% to $986.10/oz Volatility remains elevated across precious metals markets amid currency shifts and geopolitical developments.
Shafaq News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Gold retreats from near four-week peak as dollar ticks up
Shafaq News/ Gold prices fell on Tuesday, retreating from near a four-week high, as a modest rise in the dollar weighed on the metal, although uncertainty over the U.S.-China trade agreement kept investors cautious and limited the bullion's decline. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $3,362.57 an ounce, as of 0429 GMT, after hitting its highest level since May 8 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures were down 0.3% to $3,386.60. The metal gained about 2.7% in the previous session, marking its strongest daily performance in more than three weeks. "Dollar recovered slightly and gold came down so it has been inversely correlated at this point of time," said Brian Lan, managing director at GoldSilver Central, Singapore. However, gold is still closely tracking developments around global trade, and while investors have slightly reduced their positions in gold, it is not to the extent seen in previous instances when tensions appeared to ease, said Lan. The U.S. dollar index recovered slightly from a six-week low. Trade-related uncertainty remains a key focus. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely speak this week, the White House said on Monday, days after Trump accused China of violating an agreement to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions. U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum are scheduled to double to 50% on Wednesday, coinciding with the Trump administration's deadline for countries to submit their best offers in trade negotiations. The European Commission said on Monday it would make a strong case this week for the U.S. to reduce or eliminate tariffs despite Trump's decision to double import duties on steel and aluminum. Elsewhere, spot silver fell 1.9% to $34.12 an ounce, platinum edged up 0.1% to $1,064.66 and palladium was down 0.1% at $986.10.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Gold retreats from near four-week peak as dollar ticks up
Gold prices fell on Tuesday, retreating from near a four-week high, as a modest rise in the dollar weighed on the metal, although uncertainty over the U.S.-China trade agreement kept investors cautious and limited the bullion's decline. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $3,362.57 an ounce, as of 0429 GMT, after hitting its highest level since May 8 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures were down 0.3% to $3,386.60. The metal gained about 2.7% in the previous session, marking its strongest daily performance in more than three weeks. 'Dollar recovered slightly and gold came down so it has been inversely correlated at this point of time,' said Brian Lan, managing director at GoldSilver Central, Singapore. However, gold is still closely tracking developments around global trade, and while investors have slightly reduced their positions in gold, it is not to the extent seen in previous instances when tensions appeared to ease, said Lan. Safe-haven rush lifts gold to one-week peak as trade, geopolitical risks intensify The U.S. dollar index recovered slightly from a six-week low. Trade-related uncertainty remains a key focus. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely speak this week, the White House said on Monday, days after Trump accused China of violating an agreement to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions. U.S. tariffs on imported steel and aluminum are scheduled to double to 50% on Wednesday, coinciding with the Trump administration's deadline for countries to submit their best offers in trade negotiations. The European Commission said on Monday it would make a strong case this week for the U.S. to reduce or eliminate tariffs despite Trump's decision to double import duties on steel and aluminum. Elsewhere, spot silver fell 1.9% to $34.12 an ounce, platinum edged up 0.1% to $1,064.66 and palladium was down 0.1% at $986.10.
