Long Term, Upward Trajectory of Gold Price Sustained Through First Quarter of 2011

NEW YORK, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Gold Council today released its Q1 2011 Gold Investment Digest, with top-line findings showing that despite an initial pullback of the gold price in January, positive investor sentiment towards gold and greater confidence in the timing of jewellery purchases contributed to a strong quarterly performance, prompting gold to reach new all-time highs in early April – and ultimately leading it to breach the $1,500/oz mark.

Against a backdrop of uncertain global markets, and a rising price, gold remained one of the least volatile commodities in the wider commodities mix, with average annualised volatility of only 13%, down from its historical 20 year average of 15.8%.

Juan Carlos Artigas, Investment Research Manager at the World Gold Council, commented: "Gold's performance in Q1 2011 was characterised by continued concerns over the global economy, which have led investors to become increasingly aware of gold's qualities as a preserver of wealth.

"Our intelligence indicates that purchasing confidence in key jewellery markets, notably India and China, increased during the period, as price volatility declined and the dollar weakened against local currencies, resulting in a more measured price increase."

A key trend noted in the Gold Investment Digest is the growing concern over global inflation, with comments by the Federal Reserve signalling an extended period of low rates serving to increase inflation expectations in the US.  While inflation in countries such as India and China appears to have subsided to a degree, it still remains high. Moreover the threat of food price inflation is a growing concern for consumers around the world. In this environment, gold provides an alternative to hedge this exposure in a way that is not easily replicated by other assets.

Key data points include:

• The gold price rose by 2.4% during Q1 to US$1,439.00/oz by 31 March 2011, on the London PM fix, a more modest rise relative to average gains of 6.2% per quarter over the past two years
• By the end of Q1, ETFs held a total of 2,110.3 tonnes of gold worth US$97.6 billion, compared with the high of 2,167.4 tonnes at 31 December 2010, or US$97 billion – a modest net outflow in the quarter
• Central banks continued to be net buyers of gold in Q1 2011 with emerging market countries, including Russia and Bolivia, being among the key net buyers. As a group, the official sector holds 18% of all above ground stocks of gold.

The full Gold Investment Digest can be downloaded from www.gold.org/media.

Note to editors:

World Gold Council

The World Gold Council is the market development organisation for the gold industry. Working within the investment, jewellery and technology sectors, as well as engaging in government affairs, its purpose is to provide industry leadership, whilst stimulating and sustaining demand for gold.

We develop gold-backed solutions, services and markets, based on true market insight. As a result, we create structural shifts in demand for gold across key market sectors.

We provide insights into the international gold markets, helping people to better understand the wealth preservation qualities of gold and its role in meeting the social and environmental needs of society.

Based in the UK, with operations in India, the Far East, Europe and the USA, the World Gold Council is an association whose members include the world's leading and most forward thinking gold mining companies.

For further information visit www.gold.org.

SOURCE World Gold Council

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