Weekly Round-Up: US Jobs Data Puts Pressure on Gold, Silver

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Friday’s US nonfarm payroll data proved trying for precious metals prices as the better than expected results weighed heavy on metal prices. Gold slipped down below $1,200, reaching a 2014 low of $1,190 before gaining back a couple of dollars. Silver prices also hit a snag, falling below $17.

Gold fell 1.4 percent or $21.70 to $1,192.50 per ounce, its lowest level since December 31, 2013. This drop came after US nonfarm payrolls data was released and the country gained 248,000 jobs and saw its jobless rate drop down to 5.9 percent.

“The move in the dollar has been quite drastic after the good US nonfarm payrolls number, and we came down below $1,200, and there is a good possibility that we’ll go some $10-$20 lower over the next few hours,” MKS SA head of trading Afshin Nabavi told Reuters.

A rising dollar generally puts pressure on precious metals, and the currency is performing very well. It is at a four-year high and seems ready to close the day on its 12th straight week of gains.

US gold futures fell to $1,196.30 an ounce.

Like gold, silver dropped 1.1 percent or $0.18 to $16.88 per ounce. In earlier trade the white metal hit a low not seen since March 2010 at $16.78.

Copper on the London Metal Exchange gained 0.6 percent or $39.83 to trade at $6,639.50 per tonne on Friday, according to Reuters. This comes after the metal hit a five-month low in the previous session.

“There’s a bit of stabilization today, but I don’t think it necessarily marks a turning point back up,” Stephen Briggs, metals strategist at BNP Paribas, told Reuters.

Copper prices are on track to close the week down 1 percent, Reuters reported, due to concerns over economic growth in Europe and China as well as a probable increase in supply.

On the Comex in New York, copper for December delivery was down $0.002 at $2.9965 per pound, according to Bullion Desk.

Meanwhile, Brent crude oil fell to $92.50 per barrel on Friday, according to Reuters. The commodity fell as a strong US jobs report lifted the dollar and investors continue to see a surplus in supply of Brent crude oil.

“As long as we have a dollar rally, we will see a move out of commodities,” Bill Hubard, chief economist at Bankor, told Reuters.

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