Silver prices fall sharply as tensions ease around Iran. China’s GDP figures today are expected to show a two-speed economy. Malaysia reports strong economic growth, and there’s more signs of economic heat in New Zealand.
In our Deep-Dive interview, ANZ Commodities Strategist Soni Kumari says central banks are now buying 20% of all gold, double the demand seen in 2022.
5 things to know in 5 minutes:
The price of silver fell 4.1% on Friday as investors questioned the durability of its stunning 30% rally in the last month. An easing of tensions in Iran was a factor, and an increase in margins by the CME, says ANZ Commodity Strategist Soni Kumari.
China reports its GDP, retail sales and industrial production figures for the fourth quarter of 2025 later today. They’re expected to show a two-speed recovery, with a weak retail and consumer sector offset by stronger production and exports, says ANZ Greater China Economist Vicky Xiao Zhou.
Malaysia reported better than expected GDP growth of 5.7% in the December quarter from a year ago, which ANZ Economist Krystal Tan says was broad-based and well rounded.
Krystal says that healthy economic growth outlook means it’s unlikely Malaysia’s central bank will change its policy rate this year.
Two firm economic indicators came out in New Zealand on Friday, with the PMI survey of manufacturers showing a substantial rise into expansion territory, and price indicators for December above expectations, says ANZ Senior Economist Miles Workman.
Cheers,
Bernard.
Catch you tomorrow with the second part of Soni’s deep-dive interview, where she analyses the outlook for silver.
