ETF Securities Weekly Flows Analysis – Safe havens under the spotlight amid political uncertainties
- Strong inflows of US$141mn in gold ETPs amid political uncertainties driving market sentiment while improving auto sales triggered inflows in platinum ETPs.
- Inflows in robotics themed ETFs in February rose to US$80mn as prices reach new highs every week.
- US$22mn inflows in industrial metals ETPs as investors question Indonesia’s plans to relax the ban on ore exports.
Strong inflows into gold ETPs amid political uncertainties driving market sentiment. Gold ETPs recorded US$141mn inflows last week as gold prices rose 1.1% to nearly US$1,242/oz. We believe gold price will end this year at US$1,230/oz as central banks are taking a more aggressive tone on interest rates. Weaker US Dollar and low real rate environment could drive gold price higher to US$1,300/oz by the end of the first half of the year, potentially aided by a number of political events (Dutch, French and German elections).
Rising interest in the sectors of the future bodes well for robotics themed ETFs. Last week saw the third consecutive week of double-digit inflows into robotics ETFs as the underlying index rose 9% this year, reaching a new high every week in the year so far. Total inflows for February 2017 now stand at US$80mn, the largest monthly inflows since inception in October 2014.
Investors increase exposure to industrial metals as they question Indonesia’s plans to relax the ban on ore exports. The announcement made in January weighed on industrial metal prices as the lifting of the ban in place since 2014 would increase global supply. However, the impact will likely be limited as free shipments apply to companies that are already building processing plants and for a maximum of five years. Following the announcement, nickel prices initially fell by 8% before surging up again, triggering US$11mn inflows in nickel ETPs and US$22.5mn in industrial metals ETPs.
Precious metals with industrial applications also saw some traction amid increasing auto sales in most major economies. Platinum ETPs recorded US$8.7mn inflows last week as prices rose 1.7% on better-than-expected auto sales in most major economies. The volatility of the South African Rand combined with the ever-present potential for political upheaval will likely remain a headwind for the platinum group metals.
Oil ETPs recorded outflows for the third consecutive week as US oil production continues to recover. Last week saw US$31.4mn outflows from oil ETPs with investors mainly selling WTI crude while Brent ETPs recorded inflows of US$10mn. This reflects the traditional view of Brent being more affected by the decline in European oil fields and OPEC production policy while WTI is mainly driven by US oil production particularly US Shale oil. We believe that oil prices will remain under pressure in the near term as US oil production and inventories continue to increase.
Video Presentation
Edith Southammakosane, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.
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