Although interest rates are still remaining high, gold prices are remaining stable and history has proven that gold prices will respond positively to lower interest rates and quantitative easing. Besides, geopolitical risks and unexpected crises can also be the reason to push gold prices higher.
Despite record high interest rates, gold shows notable upside potential. We all know that precious metals often move in the opposite direction of interest rates. In other words, the correlation between interest rates and gold is always opposite.
Real interest rates are fluctuating close to 2008 levels. However, even though real interest rates are quite high, gold prices are also recording an increase. There was a time when interest rates were similarly high, and gold prices were just near the $1,000/ounce mark. So with interest rates like this, gold should be trading around 1000 USD/ounce. But gold prices have been trading steadily above $2,000 for a while. In fact, they are not falling despite multiple rate hikes in 2022 and 2023.
In addition to interest rate cuts and the possibility of an economic recession, there are also geopolitical risks that could cause gold to surge in price. Here are just some of them:
Tensions escalate between Taiwan between the US and China. Remember that the stock market reacted quite negatively to the trade war between China and the US in 2019 and it is possible that a similar situation will repeat.
Conflict is growing between NATO and Russia. This can lead to political, military and economic problems as well.
Tensions increase in the Middle East. A lot has been written about the Houthis in the Red Sea. But the situation could become more serious. For example, Iran could become more directly involved and cause oil supply disruptions and general geopolitical instability.
Of course, there are still many other risks. These factors could push gold prices even higher.