Kitco News) – The U.S. is grappling with growing economic instability, which is driving gold prices above $2,500 per ounce, according to Jeffrey Christian, Managing Partner at CPM Group, who warned of the precarious nature of the current economic environment, explaining that the Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate cuts are a defensive maneuver rather than a sign of strength. 

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the market is pricing in a 100% likelihood of a rate cut in September. “The Fed will only lower interest rates when it is much more concerned about a potential for recession,” Christian told Jeremy Szafron, Anchor at Kitco News. He stressed that this move reflects significant economic uncertainty, reinforcing the demand for gold as a safe haven.

Christian also noted the role of global political instability in supporting gold prices. He highlighted how Poland’s strategic increase in gold reserves—aiming for gold to comprise 20% of its total reserves—is a direct response to the geopolitical tensions with Russia and internal issues within the European Union. 

“Poland is being careful, picking up gold as a safeguard against both economic instability and potential aggression from Russia,” Christian explained. 

This accumulation of gold by central banks, particularly in volatile regions, underscores the metal’s role as a financial shield in uncertain times, he added.

Central Bank Gold Buying and Market Implications

Central banks globally added a net 483 tons of gold through the first half of 2024, up 5% from the previous record set in the first half of 2023​.

Poland’s actions are part of a broader trend where nations are seeking to protect their financial stability amidst rising geopolitical risks. Christian pointed out that these significant gold acquisitions by Poland, which are stored at the New York Federal Reserve, reflect a strategic move to safeguard assets far from potential threats. “Poland has a lot of dollars flowing into the country as the trans-shipment location for NATO and U.S. shipments into Ukraine, and the government has taken some of those dollars and bought gold,” Christian said, highlighting the strategic nature of these purchases.

This consistent demand from central banks is one of the key factors driving gold’s recent surge. Christian emphasized that while speculative buying has been relatively low, long-term investments from institutions and central banks have kept prices climbing. He added, “We’ve been saying for a couple of years that we thought the gold price would rise into now,” indicating that the current environment could propel gold prices even further.

Silver’s Prospects and Market Dynamics

Silver, often overshadowed by gold, is also expected to see significant gains, Christian noted. He projected that silver prices could reach record levels in the next 12 to 24 months, driven by both industrial demand and renewed investor interest. “We expect silver prices to rise along with gold over the next 12 to 24 months,” he said, suggesting that the metal could hit new highs, possibly surpassing its previous record of nearly $50 per ounce set in April 2011.

However, the silver market has been experiencing mixed signals due to fluctuating investor sentiment. While some investors who bought silver at higher prices have been selling, disillusioned by the lack of a dramatic price surge, others are re-entering the market, drawn by the potential for future gains, Christian elaborated. 

The industrial demand for silver, particularly in the renewable energy sector, remains strong, but Christian cautioned against overestimating its immediate impact on prices. “The real driver of silver’s potential rise will be renewed investment demand,” he noted, particularly as geopolitical and economic uncertainties persist.