Barry Stuppler

There are hopes that platinum could once again be used to make autocatalytic converters for petrol-powered engines, creating fresh demand for the metal amid a deepening supply deficit . . . .

For most of today’s Asian trading, Gold stayed above the key $1,280 per ounce level . . . .

After reaching a low of $1,276 per ounce, Gold has rallied back above the key $1,280 level . . . .

Gold suffered from short-term profit taking after last week’s $22 rally . . . .

Finally, my year-end precious metal rally started last Friday. After over a month of the Gold price consolidating, with very low volatility while trading between $1,260 to $1,300 per ounce, I believe Gold is ready to move higher . . . .

Russia’s Far East Development Fund and China’s state-owned gold mining company, China National Gold Group, are to sign an accord by the end of this year on setting up a joint US$1 billion investment fund targeting new projects in the metals and mining sector . . . .

A slightly weaker U.S. Dollar based on reports of a stronger equity market in Europe and Gold is finally on the move . . . .

The Central Bank of Russia added 63 tonnes to its gold reserves during Q3. Year-to-date, the Russian Central Bank has increased its holdings by 164 tonnes . . . .

It has been a rough year for many primary silver miners as two-thirds have suffered declines in production.  Also, many high-ranking silver producing countries are also experiencing a pronounced reduction in their domestic silver mine supply . . . .

Target picking is risky in an asset whose value is largely based on sentiment and prone to being "jawboned" into its proper place. But we believe for various reasons that if Gold does not pierce $1260 spot, its chances . . . .