Why Platinum Prices Rebounded Last Week

Published on July 30, 2018

The Platinum Market Review examines some of the factors that affected the price of platinum.

According to the Platinum Market Review published on July 30, 2018:

Platinum prices shot higher to near $850 an ounce earlier this week as the metal recovered from recent lows at $793 an ounce in the prior week. But as the dollar strengthened again later in the week, the precious metals eased lower with platinum prices slipping to near $830 an ounce, and to a $100 discount to palladium.

However, a continued robust global economy should underpin demand for the industrial commodities, specifically the PGMs, and for gold as rising consumer wealth levels promote increased jewelry sales. Downside price risk for the precious metals should also be limited from recent lows. But until the dollar begins to exhibit some signs of a reversal in its current strengthening trend, metal prices will continue to struggle with another test of recent lows probable.

And with the Fed expected to continue to ratchet up rates well into 2019, the markets will need some indication of a policy shift from the ECB, Bank of Japan and/or the Bank of England before the US currency may begin to reverse course and weaken.

Palladium prices also recorded a solid bounce off last week’s 12-month low, gaining nearly 9% to near $942 an ounce before slipping below $930 an ounce to close out the week. Demand for palladium remains firm with passenger car sales reported in the first half of 2018 showing largely steady gains. Sales in the major markets were mostly higher in the period: China’s passenger car sales increased 4.6% in the first half with gains also reported in the US (+2.0%) and in the EU (+2.9%) markets.

Only a loss of sales was seen in the Japanese market with new registrations for passenger cars down 2.3% in the six months ending June. The palladium market remains in a sizable supply deficit which could, along with continued advances in global car sales, act to limit further declines in the value of the metal much below recent lows.

Rhodium prices continued to march higher with offers reaching $2,350 an ounce this past week, although easing by $10 an ounce by the weekend on purported limited Asian selling. Demand remains firm despite threats of tariff wars and a sizable downtrend in platinum and palladium prices in recent months.

About Platinum Market Review

Platinum Market Review is a free weekly publication providing insights and analysis of the market conditions affecting Platinum Group Metals. 

It is available only by subscription and is free of charge.  Each week a new publication is delivered directly to each subscriber’s email inbox.

For more information visit News.KeyMetalRefining.com

About Key Metal Refining

Key Metal Refining (KMR) buys scrap catalytic converters as the raw material source for its platinum group metal sales generated through its recovery and refining process. KMR’s controlling partner is DOWA Metals and Mining Co. America, a wholly owned subsidiary of DOWA Holdings Co, Ltd.

KMR de-cans catalytic converters at its plant in Hainesport New Jersey. The material is further refined and smelted by DOWA in Japan. 

Location Info:
Key Metal Refining LLC
5400 Delaware Ave, Hainesport, NJ 08036
(609) 261-1471

MEDIA CONTACT
Company Name: Key Metal Refining LLC
Contact Person: Jennifer Smith
Email: jennifersmith@yourworldproductions.com
Phone: 212-729-7339
Country: United States
Website: https://KeyMetalRefining.com