Gold traders await more clarity on the new administration’s policies

Both physical gold and gold futures have started the first trading day of the week with fractional gains in spot gold, and marginal gains in gold futures. Silver futures are trading respectably higher on the day, scoring the largest percentage gain of all of the precious metals.

Dollar weakness was a definitive factor in today’s gains. As of 4:11 PM EST, the U.S. dollar index is currently trading down 27 points (-0.30%) and fixed at 90.48.

Currently, February 2021 gold futures are up to $9.20 (+0.50%) and fixed at $1839.10. March Silver futures have gained approximately $0.40, fixed at $25.26. Spot gold had fractional gains of $2.00 which was due to dollar weakness overcoming the selling pressure.

President-elect Joe Biden has just arrived at Joint Base Andrews, as he prepares to be sworn in as the 46^th president of the United States. This new administration will bring forth a completely different set of policies, and market participants will focus intently on his proposals to rebuild our economy and eradicate Covid –19.

Expectations are that he will greatly increase fiscal stimulus and continue as long as needed. He has already proposed a $1.9 trillion package. While fiscal aid is proposed is essential for the economy. At the same time, we are aware that the more fiscal stimulus that is allocated the greater the United States digs deeper into debt.

The Fed has stated they will be maintaining the current highly accommodative monetary policy, which includes quantitative easing and the purchase of approximately $120 billion of assets a month in which they will add to their current balance sheet.

The question becomes what long-term effects will these actions have upon our national debt and budget deficit. As we reported last week data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicated that the national debt has risen by almost $7.8 trillion during the Trump administration. This additional debt amounts to $23,500 in additional Federal debt for every individual in the United States according to the associated press.

The most alarming fact is that the United States Treasury Department acknowledged that the budget deficit rose by 60.70% during the first three months of this fiscal year which began in October. Current projections indicate that by the second quarter of last year we had a jump to 127% of our GDP. This enormous mounting national debt is still coupled with massive unemployment that will likely lead to a major devaluation of the U.S. dollar and a tremendous rise in the price of gold over the upcoming years.

Wishing you as always, good trading and good health,