Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

Tech & Biz

Monday, May 21, 2012

Gold Prices and Euro Rise as Europe Supports Growth of Euro Zone

  • European Union flag
    (Photo: Reuters/John Kolesidis)
    European Union flag waves in front of the monument of Parthenon on Acropolis hill in Athens, March 5, 2009.
By Setrige Crawford , Christian Post Reporter
February 20, 2012|11:31 am

Gold prices have been on the rise as European leaders expect to sign a bailout deal for Greece that will lift the value of the euro.

Spot gold prices were up by 0.6 per cent at $1,734 an ounce, Monday, according to a Reuters report. Gold prices are up nearly 11 percent for 2012 and benefiting from an upsurge in the euro.

Gold prices have risen more than 10 percent this year. The growth is supported by loose monetary policy in the U.S. and the euro zone. This cuts the opportunity cost of holding gold metals and boosts its appeal as a store of value, according to the Gulf News.

The uncertainty of the euro zone supports the rise in gold-trading, according to Morgan Stanley.

"The defensive nature of gold should continue to support investment demand as investors look for safe havens," said Morgan Stanley in a statement.

The euro also rose 0.5 percent after China relaxed monetary policies to stimulate growth. Policymakers are also set to approve a second bailout deal for Greece to avoid a default.

Like us on Facebook

Greek political leaders struggled last week to reach a deal on a deficit-cutting policy demanded by the European Union and International Monetary Fund in return for the bailout deal, according to Gulf News.

Euro zone finance ministers are expected to approve the bailout deal for Greece, which is worth 130 billion euros ($172 billion), sometime Monday. The bailout deal is expected to put the brakes on months of turmoil that has shaken the currency bloc.

VTB Capital said that the market's attention needs to remain on the development in the euro zone while the finance ministers finalize the bailout deal.

"We see subdued action today as a positive decision on Greece is pretty much priced in," VTB said in a statement.

Relief over the signing of the bailout deal led to an increase in the euro of 0.7 per cent against the dollar yesterday. However, investors are still skeptical about the strength of the euro's gains.

SEE VIDEO OF GOLD REPORTS IN EUROPE

Top Stories

Expert: Excessive, Not Low, Self-Esteem Drives Bullying

Anti-bullying expert Paul Coughlin says serial ...

Chinese Dissident Chen Guangcheng Arrives in US

Blind Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, who ...

NAACP Endorses Same-Sex Marriage Amid Opposition by Black Pastors

The National Association for the Advancement of ...

Joplin Church Emerges Stronger Than Last Year's Tornado

A year after a devastating tornado killed at ...

David Axelrod: Romney's Mormonism Should Not Be a Campaign Issue

David Axelrod, a top adviser for President Obama's reelection campaign, said Sunday that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's Mormon faith should not be made an issue in the election. He criticized Romney, ...

Sebelius Talks Separation of Church and State at Georgetown Ceremony

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen ...

Crystal Cathedral Considers Relocating to Nearby Catholic Church

Crystal Cathedral's newly minted president said ...