Platinum Shows Promise After Steady Rebound From COVID Lows

 | Sep 02, 2020 20:51

Platinum, the less-showy sister metal of gold and palladium has been having a more even rebound from the lows of COVID-19 than the two sector heavyweights.

Since its meltdown of more than 26% in the first quarter ahead of the coronavirus pandemic, platinum’s rebound has been nothing less than impressive.

In the last two months, the autocatalyst metal for diesel engines has gained 12.5%. And although trading for September has just begun, it has started the month rising 1%, maintaining the uptrend.

But Dollar Strength Pressures/h2

However, like other precious metals, platinum has had the same nemesis over the past few weeks: a dollar popping up against expectations.

Hovering at just under $940 an ounce, platinum futures remain down 3% on the year after the dollar's logic-defying strength on various occasions since August—despite falling Treasury yields and super-accommodative Federal Reserve policy.

Using platinum’s less-volatile spot price as our base, we project that the metal needs to win over the $960 resistance and challenge $1,010 to continue its north-bound trajectory.

If that proves successful, a progression to $1,040 and a long-term anchor at $1,190 will provide the launchpad for a $1200 handle. But any mid-term trend reversal below $900 will provide an opportunity to sell.