Palladium’s gains were snapped last Friday as the greenback rallied. The precious metal came under pressure as a study from the University of Michigan showed an unexpected increase in consumer confidence. This reduced the metals “safe-haven” appeal.
Exchange Traded Funds that deal in the precious metals have been seeing an increase in business, lately. ETF Securities said on Monday the amount of metal it holds to back its Physical Palladium exchange-traded commodity PHPD.L rose 12,628 ounces or 8 percent in the week to Feb. 6.
Prices of precious metals platinum, palladium and silver are expected to slump next year as demand sags in line with economic growth. This is tough news, considering how much of a price decline the metals have already witnessed in 2008.
Palladium prices rallied on Monday, as the weaker dollar encouraged a recovery in the commodities prices after heavy losses last week. Bargain hunting after last weeks lowest price point was hit drove spot palladium to an intraday high of $197 an ounce, more than a five percent rally.
The stock market events of Sept. 15, 2008 have impacted all commodities markets, including precious metals such as palladium and platinum. Investors are unloading commodities at a rapid pace, in an attempt to seek safer investments.
The decline in auto industry sales is having a profound effect on palladium values in the world market. Palladium and platinum are used in catalytic converters and other auto parts: the demand for the precious metals is slackening as a result of higher gas and oil prices.
Palladium futures for December delivery fell $16.90 to settle at $272.90 an ounce on Friday. For more information, click here
Palladium for June delivery in Tokyo gained 4.6 percent to close at 1,016 yen a gram ($287 an ounce), the biggest gain since Aug. 6, on expectations that rising inflation will increase demand of the commodity. For more information, click here
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