Metals: Gold buying extended into a fourth week with the net long rising by 20k lots to a four-month high at 126.9k. It is worth noting that most of last weeks change was driven by a 27% reduction in the gross short position to the lowest since last July. Another sign that long term trend systems, the largest position holders in the trend system universe, continue to scale back short positions, thereby providing a constant bid in the market. Especially after the price broke the downtrend from the August high and after the price recently recovered back above its 200-day moving average.
Bullish HG Copper bets meanwhile slumped 35% to 33.9k lots, the smallest bet on rising prices since last July. The main culprit behind the reduction and copper’s recent 9% correction being China’s attempt to curb commodity prices and hoarding in the domestic market. An attempt both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup expect will fail due to the speed of the rebound in demand in advanced economies, particularly the U.S.
The current gold rally has left both platinum and silver trailing, and during the week both metals saw net selling, most noticeable being the 17% reduction in the platinum net long to a 5-1/2 month low at 14.6k.
Latest: Gold (XAUUSD) is heading for its biggest monthly gain since July as inflation remains the key focus, while Bitcoin at the same time is heading for its worst month since 2011. The recovery in ETF holdings backed by bullion and fund positions in futures remain subdued, a sign that many investors remain unconvinced about the short to medium term direction. However, Friday’s failed downside attempt could indicate that constant bidding and short covering from long term trend systems are ongoing. Focus this week on Friday’s job report and whether gold can break above $1923, the 61.8% retracement of the August to March correction. Key support at in the $1845-55 area.