While certainly selling was limited by world tensions, nonetheless the precious metals are troubled by a number of other issues that are not of a short-term nature.

The crucial parts remains from the downed Malaysian Airlines flight have been sent on to more respectable homes for analysis, sorting and, sadly, for burial.

On Thursday we said: "A word of warning, though. One-off events like the downing of the airliner tend to fade quickly from the minds of investors and traders. Be aware of this instant amnesia factor."