What Are Central Banks Really Doing?The long-term narrative is that the central banks are buying gold. I understand that, but we also get that kind of information in a report that’s about 30 days late. Key factors that I would like to know is are they buying strength or are they buying weakness?When I talk to gold traders, sometimes I get the feeling that they believe the central banks are in there every day, relentlessly buying gold with both hands, but I don’t think they are. If they are the market, then ...

Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, breaks down why we’re still in a crypto winter, the truth about central bank gold buying, and why Bitcoin’s revenue problem doesn’t matter… yet. We… ...

Ernest HoffmanErnest Hoffman is a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News. He has over 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, broadcaster and producer for media, educational and cultural organizations. Ernest began working in market news in 2007, establishing the broadcast division of CEP News in Montreal, Canada, where he developed the fastest web-based audio news service in the world and produced economic news videos in partnership with MSN and the TMX. He has a Bachelor's degree Specialization in ...

Core Insights - The European Commission's proposal to utilize frozen Russian state assets for financial aid to Ukraine is causing concern among central banks, potentially leading to increased gold purchases for storage outside Western jurisdictions [1] Group 1 - The proposal aims to provide financial support to Ukraine by tapping into frozen Russian assets [1] - Central banks are reacting to the proposal, indicating a shift in their asset management strategies [1] - There is a potential acceleration in gold purchases as a response to the proposal, highlighting a trend towards securing assets outside of Western control [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a bullish outlook on gold and silver, raising long-term price targets for gold to $2,500 per ounce and silver to $35 per ounce, reflecting increases of +25% and +30% respectively [3][4]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the conditions driving the recent strength in gold prices are expected to persist, including factors such as the US structural deficit, inflationary pressures from deglobalization, perceived threats to the independence of the US central bank, and global geopolitical tensions [3]. - Central banks are projected to continue purchasing gold at elevated levels, with a calculation indicating that over 11,000 tonnes of gold would need to be acquired to achieve a 30% gold holding in total reserves, suggesting a bullish outlook for gold prices [2][12]. - The average gold price forecast for the next six years has been increased by +6% to $3,049 per ounce, while the average silver price forecast has been raised by +7.5% to $38 per ounce [3]. Summary by Sections Price Forecasts - Long-term real gold and silver prices have been raised to $2,500 per ounce and $35 per ounce respectively, with near-term forecasts for gold at $3,356 per ounce in 2025 and $3,659 per ounce in 2026 [3][7]. - The report anticipates a short to medium-term target for gold prices to reach $4,000 per ounce [3]. Central Bank Purchases - Central banks are expected to exert upward pressure on gold prices through continued purchases, with a significant amount of gold needed to reach optimal portfolio allocations [2][12]. - The report notes that central banks with less than 30% of their reserves in gold will need to purchase a total of 24,665 tonnes to achieve this target, indicating a long-term demand for gold [2][21]. Company Ratings and NAV - The report indicates that net asset values (NAVs) and price objectives (POs) for North American precious metals companies have increased, with an average NAV increase of around 12% and POs up by approximately 11% [4]. - Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) is highlighted as the top pick due to its strong track record and growth potential [4].