I can think of no better word except, “astounding”, when considering what is taking place with the giant gold ETF, GLD and its reported holdings increases.

Yesterday’s afternoon reported gold holdings showed an increase of exactly 19.33 tons to 752.29 tons. This is identical to the increase seen last Friday ( 19.33 tons). In two days time, we have seen almost 39 tons of gold added to the vaults of GLD. I am hard pressed to find anything similar in its past.

That this occurred on a day in which gold prices moved lower is even more interesting. The exact mechanism whereby the ETF adds or subtracts from its holdings is a bit more complex than exact mirroring of the moves in the price of the metal itself so what I am more interested in is the TREND.

That trend is moving higher and moving higher at a remarkable pace. Clearly there are Western-based investors who are interested in getting exposure to gold in this current global economic environment. We do not necessarily need to know “WHY” they are doing so; all we need to know is that they are.

As long as this demand continues, gold is going to stay well supported in price.

John Brimelow’s “Gold Jottings” has noted the sharp fall in premiums for Indian gold sales which is noteworthy. I believe the two of us share the same conclusion that this is a result of “sticker shock” coming on the heels of a near $200 increase in price in some four week’s time ( John also notes the weakening Rupee). India’s dealers are very price sensitive which is the reason that I believe this “pause” in the gold rally is both needed and constructive.

Gold buyers in India normally do not chase price higher. They like to buy on weakness in price. However, they also understand the pattern of Western-based buyers during gold price rallies well enough that these rallies do tend to experience periods in which price sets back and consolidates. Indian buyers watch these movements closely. If they become of the opinion that price is STABILIZING at a higher level, they will begin to buy more aggressively. The reason – if they think prices are not going to set back significantly, they will then commit to purchases. They are all too well aware of the bouts of long liquidation which cause sharp falls in the price of gold. For these savvy buyers of the actual metal, they watch to see if that sort of thing will take place. AFter all, why buy now if they have a chance to buy more at a lower price!