The COVID-19 pandemic raised uncertainty by compounding existing risks and creating new ones. But by the end of last year, investors were optimistic that the worst was over.
“Looking ahead, we believe that investors will likely see the low interest rate environment as an opportunity to add risk assets in the hope that economic recovery is on the immediate horizon,” said the WGC in its report on Gold Outlook 2021. “Investors will likely also be navigating potential portfolio risks including ballooning budget deficits, inflationary pressures and market corrections amid already high equity valuations. In this context, we believe gold investment will remain well supported while gold consumption should benefit from the nascent economic recovery, especially in emerging markets like India and China.”
Talking to ET, Somasundaram PR, managing director, India, WGC said that 2021 will continue to see an interplay of many of these factors but underpinning a favourable environment in India for both gold price and demand. The sharp rise in prices of gold by 20% has now reset consumer expectations about a new normal.
“Higher risk of stock prices driven by liquidity, low interest rates, coupled with the inevitable return of family and social occasions and the experiential value of gold buying will release pent-up demand. This could mimic the strong growth seen in 2010 and thereafter, after one of the sharpest dips in gold demand in 2009, following the uncertainties created by the global financial crisis,” the WGC India chief said.
Gold currently has become directionless, and is seemingly stuck in the triangle of Corona vaccine, US stimulus package and bond yield. “However, the three proposed stimulus packages by the US government will give a real boost to gold price as American dollar will all set for a big fall thereafter,” said Surendra Mehta, national secretary, India Bullion & Jewellers Association.
Jewellery continues to be the major growth driver of gold consumption in India. India annually consumes about 800 -850 tonnes of gold.
“The jewellery purchase is based on sentiment rather than the thought about the robustness of the economic recovery. In the jewellery sector most of the buying decisions are strongly influenced by women who go by their needs and instincts. My view is that after 2020 which has forced people to stay at home, 2021 will see strong buying based on need for weddings as well as indulgence and gifting,” said Ishu Datwani, founder of Anmol Jewellers.
“Gold performed very well in 2020. Although a V – shaped recovery can be seen in the economy but even then it will take time for GDP and the economy to get back to pre-covid levels. This fact will push demand for gold in 2021,” said Vaibhav Saraf, director, Aisshpra Gems and Jewel.
