Gold's resilience strengthens in February

Gold responds strongly to normally adverse conditions

Gold moved through the US$1,200 level and showed resilience in February as a number of normally bearish factors failed to weaken prices. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's mid-February testimony to Congress indicated tighter monetary policies, and subsequent comments from regional Fed presidents reinforced Yellen's hawkish views. This lifted the market odds for a March Fed rate increase and in response the US dollar strengthened considerably, with the US Dollar Index up 1.9% for the month. The weakness in Chinese and Indian demand for physical gold seen in 2016 continued into the New Year and January Swiss trade statistics showed that exports to both China and India are below last year's levels. In addition, markets in China were closed at the start of the month for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. At the same time, US equities had a strong month with the Dow Jones Industrials Average (DJIA) setting a record of twelve straight days of new all-time highs above 20,000 beginning on 9^th February. While none of these events would typically be supportive of gold, bullion nonetheless gained US$37.68 (3.1%) for the month. In fact, through the end of February, gold is up 8.3% and has outperformed the DJIA by 2.5% in the first two months of 2017.

We attribute the recent resilience of gold to three factors:

1. a new era of geopolitical uncertainty since Brexit;

2. February saw the first significant net inflows to bullion exchange traded products since the November U.S. presidential election; and

3. upticks in inflation have caused a decline in real rates.

The February releases of both the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI) surprised analysts with their largest monthly jumps in several years. Annual core CPI inflation is now at 2.3%, putting it at the upper bounds of where it has been trending since the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Lacklustre year-end reporting highlighted by downgrades and increased spending

In contrast to bullion, gold stocks lagged in February, as the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDX Index) fell 3.9% however January's results have helped to keep the YTD returns strong at 9.2%. Most gold producers have reported year end results and given guidance for 2017, but the reporting has been lacklustre. Although most producers have met expectations, there have been a few negative surprises that have weighed on their stocks. Additionally, a couple of miners downgraded the quality of their reserves or lowered production forecasts and a couple of others raised equity. Given higher gold prices, spending is on the upswing. BofA Merrill Lynch expects that North American senior and mid-tier companies will increase total exploration spending by 51% and new project capital by 32% in 2017. While this will reduce cash flow this year, it should pay off with discoveries and developments further down the road.

Gold stocks price movement not fundamentally driven

While these announcements cast a negative tone over the fourth quarter earnings season, they do not explain the significant underperformance of gold stocks relative to bullion. The weakness in gold stocks was exaggerated by the unusual trading on the afternoon of 27^th February. Gold trended lower beginning around noon that day as Robert Kaplan, President of the Dallas Federal Reserve, made comments supportive of a rate increase, which stimulated the US dollar. Gold ended the day with a US$4.38 (0.3%) loss, reflecting a normal fundamental reaction to the news. In the same afternoon gold stocks reacted as if gold had taken a $30 beating. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) fell 5.3%. The unusual trading and lack of fundamental drivers suggest that technically driven funds received sell signals that induced further stop loss selling. What prompted such sell signals is a mystery, but it has resulted in making stock valuations that were already attractive, dirt cheap. Miners will try to turn that dirt into gold.

Gold looking for a price catalyst in 2017 (and it's not likely to be inflation)

So far in 2017, gold has lacked a catalyst that would move the price strongly higher. We believe such a catalyst is likely, but the source and timing are impossible to predict. In the coming months or years, it is our opinion, that a geopolitical, economic, or financial event that motivates investors to seek safe haven investments is likely. Given the easy monetary policies globally, recent expectations for growth and the potential for trade protectionism, we understand those who see inflation as the next gold catalyst. Gold has always reacted strongly to inflation that is out of control. However, while we could be wrong on this, we do not believe that inflation will trend much higher. Much of the increase in inflation over the past twelve months can be attributed to the resurgence in commodities prices from oversold levels. In our view, the commodities rebound is not likely to further drive inflation in the near term. The popular reflation theme relies on growth and government spending that may not be as strong as expected, as President Trump may face challenges passing his agenda through Congress. Lastly, the Fed seems poised to tighten policies for an extended period, which works against inflation. Until inflation or some other catalyst emerges, we believe that the gold price will follow the usual ups and downs this year but in general terms, will be well supported in 2017.

Substantial cost reduction across industry stabilising

We have just returned from the BMO Capital Markets 26^th Annual Global Metals & Mining Conference held in Hollywood, Florida, an annual gathering of metals and mining executives, including many gold producers and developers. It is becoming increasingly clear from the year-end reporting results across these mining companies that the substantial decline in mining costs of the past few years is beginning to reach its limits. While we see no mining cost inflation on the horizon, some companies are seeing costs level out. On average, all-in sustaining costs for gold companies are now around the $900 per ounce level. Some companies, particularly among the majors, continue to guide for lower costs, which should enable the average to decline further in the next couple of years.

^{IMPORTANT NOTICE: Issued by VanEck Investments Limited ABN 22 146 596 116 AFSL 416755 (‘VanEck’). VanEck is a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation based in New York, United States. VanEck Vectors ETF Trust ARBN 604 339 808 (the ‘Trust’) is the issuer of shares in the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (‘US Fund’). The Trust and the US Fund are regulated by US laws which differ from Australian laws. Trading in the US Fund’s shares on ASX will be settled by CHESS Depositary Interests (‘CDIs’) which are also issued by the Trust. The Trust is organised in the State of Delaware, US. Liability of investors is limited. VanEck Associates serves as the investment adviser to the US Fund. VanEck, on behalf of the Trust, is the authorised intermediary for the offering of CDIs over the US Fund’s shares and issuer in respect of the CDIs and corresponding Fund’s shares traded on ASX.}

^{This is general information only and not financial advice. It does not take into account any person’s individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Investing in international markets has specific risks that are in addition to the typical risks associated with investing in the Australian market. These include currency/foreign exchange fluctuations, ASX trading time differences and changes in foreign regulatory and tax regulations.  Before making an investment decision in relation to the US Fund you should read the PDS and with the assistance of a financial adviser consider if it is appropriate for your circumstances. The PDS is available at www.vaneck.com.auor by calling 1300 68 38 37.}

^{Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. No member of the VanEck group of companies or the Trust gives any guarantee or assurance as to the repayment of capital, the payment of income, the performance or any particular rate of return from the US Fund.}

^{An investment in the US Fund may be subject to risks that include, among others, competitive pressures, dependency on the price of gold and silver bullion that may fluctuate substantially over short periods of time, periods of outperformance and underperformance of traditional investments such as bonds and stocks, and natural disasters, all of which may adversely affect the US Fund. Foreign investments are subject to risks, which include changes in economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in foreign regulations, and changes in currency exchange rates that may negatively impact the US Fund’s return. Small- and medium- capitalisation companies may be subject to elevated risks. The US Fund’s assets may be concentrated in a particular sector and may be subject to more risk than investments in a diverse group of sectors.}

^{NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index® (‘GDMNTR’), a trademark of NYSE Group Inc. or its affiliates (‘NYSE’), is licensed for use by VanEck in connection with the US Fund.  The US Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by NYSE and NYSE makes no representation as to the accuracy and/or completeness of GDMNTR or results to be obtained by any person from using GDMNTR in connection with trading the US Fund.}