Gold surged on Iran tensions, heading above $1,600 an ounce for the first time in almost seven years after two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq were attacked by Iran, worsening geopolitical tensions. Palladium reacted by hitting a new record high.This morning’s positive U.S. employment numbers have slightly impacted the yellow metal.
The Islamic Republic launched more than a dozen missiles at the bases in retaliation for a U.S. airstrike ordered by President Donald Trump last week that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Quds Force unit, at Baghdad International Airport. An assessment of the strikes was under way, but CNN reported that there were no initial reports of any U.S. casualties, though there are casualties among the Iraqis.
Gold pared gains last night after Iran’s foreign minister said the country had concluded proportionate measures and wasn’t seeking an escalation or a war. Trump, in a tweet late Tuesday, said he would make a statement Wednesday morning and that, “All is well.” But news that a Ukrainian International Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet crashed upon take-off in Iran triggered additional volatility.
Gold dropped a bit more this morning off last night’s leap after stronger-than-expected employment data was released. ADP reporting that the U.S. economy picked up 202,000 jobs in the private sector during December, strongly beating the forecasted 160,000 jobs.
February gold futures extended gains early Wednesday on Comex. Futures rose 0.4% Tuesday to settle at $1,574.30, representing a 3% rally since the initial strike on Soleimani on Friday. Gold is seen as a safe-haven asset and typically gets a boost in times of political or economic uncertainty. The yellow metal advanced 1.4% during the first two days of this week and rose 3.4% in December.
In economic news, investors are awaiting the key monthly U.S. employment report for December, which is scheduled for release Friday, and a number of Federal Reserve officials are set to speak Thursday and could provide some insight into the state of the economy.
Silver rose 1.2% Tuesday to settle at $18.39 an ounce on Comex. The March futures contract advanced 1.3% during the first two days of this week and gained 4.8% in December.
Spot palladium, a metal used primarily in autocatalysts, hit a record early Wednesday above $2,000 an ounce amid a supply crunch. It rallied 3.3% in the first two days of this week and 1.2% Tuesday. Spot platinum was up 0.8% Tuesday and is down 1.1% so far this week.
Disclaimer: This editorial has been prepared by Dillon Gage Metals for information and thought-provoking purposes only and does not purport to predict or forecast actual results. This editorial opinion is not to be construed as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security, commodity or course of action. Opinions expressed herein cannot be attributable to Dillon Gage. Reasonable people may disagree about the events discussed or opinions expressed herein. In the event any of the assumptions used herein do not come to fruition, results are likely to vary substantially. It is not a solicitation or advice to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. No part of this editorial may be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Dillon Gage Metals. Dillon Gage Metals shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind whatsoever relating to this editorial. You should consult your advisers with respect to these areas. By posting this editorial, you acknowledge, understand and accept this disclaimer.