Assets in world's largest gold fund slump 48% to lowest level since financial crisis

Demand evaporates as stocks rally, investors prepare for higher U.S. interest rates.
MAY 18, 2015
By  Bloomberg
Assets in the world's biggest exchange-traded product backed by gold slumped to the lowest since the start of the financial crisis as equities rallied and investors prepared for higher U.S. interest rates. Holdings in the SPDR Gold Trust dropped 0.2% to 704.22 metric tons on Wednesday, the lowest since September 2008. That's the month that Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. collapsed, spurring a rout across global markets. Since peaking in December 2012, assets have contracted 48%. (More: A new entry point for gold investors takes on GLD) Gold prices have been trapped in a bear market as the U.S. economy's recovery from the crisis cut demand for haven assets. Purchases of American Eagle gold coins from the U.S. Mint had the weakest May in eight years and Perth Mint's sales were the lowest since 2012. World equities climbed in 2015 as U.S. stocks reached a record and the main gauge in China more than doubled in 12 months. 'NO REAL JOY' “Demand is terrible,” said David Lennox, a resource analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney. “We see no real joy coming out of the physical market for gold. Speculators got hammered a couple of years ago and they're not going to come back in a hurry.” (More: Gold bulls celebrate the strongest run since January) After Lehman's bankruptcy, the world's central banks unleashed unprecedented stimulus, sending gold to a record in September 2011 on bets that inflation would accelerate. Instead, consumer costs stayed stable, and the precious metal fell in 2013 and 2014. Prices are little changed this year amid bets the Federal Reserve is getting closer to raising rates. Higher rates diminish the appeal of bullion, since it doesn't pay interest like competing assets, such as new bonds. Global holdings in gold-backed ETPs dropped to 1,586.9 tons on Wednesday, the lowest since 2009, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The hoard slumped 40% since reaching a record 2,632.5 tons in December 2012. PAULSON NOT SELLING Not everyone is selling. Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson maintained his holding in the SPDR for seven straight quarters through March 31, according to a filing last month. The 10.23 million share stake is the fund's largest. The outlook for increasing borrowing costs has also driven gains in the dollar, reducing demand for precious metals as alternative assets. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index is 4.3% higher in 2015. “There's a mindset that higher interest rates translate into a higher dollar,” Frank McGhee, the head dealer at Alliance Financial in Chicago, said. “Even if it doesn't, the higher interest rates you're going to have are still going to put a lid on the upside for gold by damping inflation.”

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.