Gold price moves on 12th March 2020 opening up attractive entry points
Published 13 March 2020
Gold prices fell 3% on 12th March in what looks like selling to meet liquidity needs while nominal US Treasury yields also rose from intra-day low of 0.64% to an intraday high of 0.91%, most likely due to the same phenomenon. Gold and Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are moving in a similar fashion, as shown in Figure 1. Sharp declines in equity and other cyclical markets on 12th March (e.g. S&P 500 down 10% and oil down 7%) were setting off circuit breakers and triggering the selling of high quality, liquid assets very likely in order to meet margin calls. We saw a similar decline in gold prices at the end of February (although that did not come with a Treasury sell-off). We believe that gold and Treasuries are doing their job, acting as liquid assets in times of stress. Further violent moves in equities could trigger more gold selling on a temporary basis. However, we also believe that if gold proves its worth, by being a source of liquidity when markets are under duress, we are likely to see demand rise.
Figure 1: Gold (yellow, left) price vs. US 10-year TIPS Yields (white, right, inverted axis)
Source: Bloomberg, data from 00:00 10th March 2020 to 08:00 13th March 2020. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.
Looking back at the global financial crisis, gold prices initially fell in October 2008 alongside equities. By November 2008, the gold price started an upward rally, that ultimately saw it rise 170% by August 2011 (Figure 2).
In 2008, the initial price declines were widely attributed to margin calls and liquidity needs. If history is any guide to the future, the price declines on 12th March may have opened up good entry points for investors seeking access to a safe-haven asset.
Figure 2: Gold (green ,left) vs equities (white, right) in Q4 2008
Source: Bloomberg, data from 01 September 2008 to 31 December 2008. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.
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About the contributor
Head of Commodities and Macroeconomic Research, WisdomTree Europe
@NiteshShahWTNitesh Shah is a seasoned financial professional with over 24 years of experience in research and investment strategy. As Head of Commodities & Macroeconomic Research at WisdomTree Europe, he leads market analysis and insights across asset classes, with a focus on commodities and exchange-traded products. Previously, he held roles at Moody’s, HSBC Investment Bank, The Pension Protection Fund, and Decision Economics, building expertise in market analysis and strategy. Nitesh earned a master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University and a bachelor's in Economics from the London School of Economics. His insights are frequently featured in financial media, and he is a sought-after speaker at industry events. He also hosts the ‘Commodity Exchange’ podcast, where he discusses trends shaping global markets. Passionate about guiding investors, Nitesh provides actionable insights to help them navigate complex financial landscapes.