We have examined the major theories of manipulation in the gold market, so let’s deal with other interesting problems: high-frequency trading, declining inventories in Comex, London bias and gold leasing.

First, some people accuse big banks of suppressing gold prices by not only using ‘naked’ shorts, but also engaging in high-frequency trading (HFT). The HTF is a type of algorithmic trading characterized by the large number of orders at very fast speed (they operate in milli – or microseconds). Many investors believe that bankers using HFT create massive volumes of artificial traffic, or place and quickly cancel orders in order to create waterfall declines in the price of gold.

However, most HFT firms trade only intra-day, so their impact on the gold market should be short-lived by definition. Moreover, the HFT may be actually helpful for markets, since it improves efficiency by discounting new information and driving the market into equilibrium much quicker. Additionally, since HFT companies execute thousands of orders an hour, they add liquidity to the market. Undoubtedly, some companies abuse this technology, but the fraudsters have always existed. HFT may be considered as a next step to accelerate trades, as computers or financial press before. It may be used as a tool for manipulation, but not in a different way than computers before. As a reminder, financial institutions adopted extensive computer networks in the 1970s, when gold was in the bull phase. Similarly, HFT has taken place at least since 1999, but it did not prevent the bull market in gold (see the chart below).

Gold bulls

Second, other investors point out that decreasing gold inventories in the Comex gives evidence of manipulation in the gold market. The decline in Comex gold inventories is seen as a sign of shortage of physical gold relative to the massive creation of paper gold. However, the amount of ‘registered’ gold is not the only amount of gold available for delivery, since eligible gold can be quickly converted to registered. Moreover, the changes in Comex gold inventories do not drive the price of gold, but result from gold price fluctuations. When the gold prices rise, more people want to own it, and vice versa. Thus, the declining Comex inventories are not the proof of manipulation, but simply reflect the bear market in gold and negative sentiment among some owners, who withdraw metal from that exchange to sell it in other markets.

Third, another type of alleged evidence against bullion banks manipulating the gold market is the so-called ‘London bias’, i.e. the statistical regularity showing that gold prices usually decline during London trading hours, especially around the PM Fix, whilst they rise during Asian trading hours. We do not deny that such behavior exists, but investors should be aware that certain price patterns do not as such constitute evidence of manipulation. There are many anomalies in the financial markets (like the January effect), which are not necessarily caused by manipulation. Moreover, during London trading hours, the New York markets open and some of the most important U.S. economic data is released at this time, which may cause strong reaction in the markets.

The last argument refers to the leasing of gold by central banks in order to suppress its price. Again, although central banks certainly lease their gold, managing currency reserves is precisely within their mandate and does not prove manipulation. Moreover, the central bankers may simply try to generate a return on their assets by leasing gold, which would otherwise be sitting in a vault earning no income. If there was any manipulation, it would be ineffective, given the bull market in the 2000s. Perhaps, the price of gold affects the scale of gold leasing, not vice versa. The borrowing demand will only remain strong as long as gold is perceived to be in a bear market, because borrowers could only then repay the loan with gold that had dropped in price.

The bottom line is that despite many variations of theory of manipulation in the gold market, their supporters hardly offer any proofs. The gold market is complex enough when considering only true fundamentals, so there is no need to follow unproven suppositions. They are dangerous for investors, since they can expose them to losses. The manipulation theories create elevated expectations that one day the manipulation will end and the price of gold will reach its ‘true value’ over many tens of thousands of dollars per ounce, which may lead to unnecessarily long holding periods and sub-optimal investment decisions (and not exiting the market at all during bear markets). For instance, the above approach could lead to losses even if gold moves substantially higher but not as high as one expects – it’s important to stay open to new information and react to it when it becomes available – staying in any market (even as promising a market as precious metals) without paying attention to its dynamics can be costly.

All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and Sunshine Profits' employees and associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Radomski is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Przemyslaw Radomski's, CFA reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

GBP/USD clings to recovery gains above 1.3200, as BoE looms

GBP/USD clings to recovery gains above 1.3200, as BoE looms

GBP/USD sustains the recovery above 1.3200 in early Europe on Thursday, having found buyers near 1.3150. A fresh US Dollar pullback and a rebound in risk sentiment offer support to the pair ahead of the BoE policy announcements. 

GBP/USD News
EUR/USD holds higher ground above 1.1100, focus shifts to ECB-speak

EUR/USD holds higher ground above 1.1100, focus shifts to ECB-speak

EUR/USD is holding higher ground above 1.1100 in the early European session on Thursday. The pair is underpinned by the renewed US Dollar retreat, as traders digest the Fed's dovish outlook, bracing for ECB-speak for fresh trading incentives. US data are also eyed. 

EUR/USD News
Gold price jumps back closer to all-time peak, $2,600 remains in sight amid fresh USD weakness

Gold price jumps back closer to all-time peak, $2,600 remains in sight amid fresh USD weakness

Gold price regains positive traction following the previous day's pullback from the all-time peak and builds on its steady intraday ascent heading into the European session on Thursday. 

Gold News
BoE expected to keep interest rate unchanged at 5% as price pressures persist

BoE expected to keep interest rate unchanged at 5% as price pressures persist

After a close call in August, the Bank of England’s September interest rate decision is keenly awaited for fresh cues on the bank’s future policy action and the pace of its bond sales.

Read more
Bitcoin surges to $62,000 mark after 50 bps Fed rate cut

Bitcoin surges to $62,000 mark after 50 bps Fed rate cut

Bitcoin and Ripple eye for a rally as they break and find support around their resistance barrier. Meanwhile, Ethereum demonstrates signs of recovery as it approaches a critical resistance level, indicating that an upward rally could be on the horizon if it successfully breaks through.

Read more
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know

Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know

VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.

Read More

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures