(Bloomberg) -- Gold is set for the biggest monthly gain in more than four years after a weaker dollar and low rates fueled its surge to a record. Silver headed for its best month since 1979.
Spot bullion is up 10% in July as a gauge of the dollar slumped, prompting concerns its status as the world’s reserve currency of choice is at risk, and U.S. real yields fell to a record low. While the ferocity of gold’s rally cooled as the week wore on, it’s less than $20 shy of its all-time high and most market watchers predict there may be more gains ahead.
The metal has surged almost 30% in 2020, putting it on track for the biggest annual increase in more than a decade, as concern about the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic boosts its appeal as a haven. The Federal Reserve this week repeated a vow to use all its tools to support the U.S. economy, with governments and central banks worldwide already unleashing vast amounts of stimulus to shore up growth.
“There is still plenty of upside left in this rally,” Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. said in a note. “The backdrop remains highly conducive, with unwavering support from central banks likely to see monetary easing policies remain in place for the foreseeable future. This will keep bond yields low, raise inflation expectations and potentially keep the U.S. dollar weak.”
Read More: Gold Is Heading for $2,000. After That, the Forecasts Diverge
Spot gold rose as much as 0.6% to $1,968.79 an ounce and traded at $1,968.16 by 10:16am in Singapore. Prices touched a record $1,981.27 on Tuesday and are up for an eighth week, the longest run of gains since 2006.
With more stimulus on the horizon, Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS). has said that gold is the currency of last resort amid an inflation threat to the dollar. The bank forecasts a rally to $2,300. Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC). says prices could soar to as high as $3,000 an ounce, while JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) & Co. sees the rally losing steam later this year.
Spot silver advanced 0.6% to $23.629 an ounce to head for an eighth weekly gain. Prices have jumped 30% this month, the biggest increase since 1979.
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