The price of platinum could rise to as much as $2,000 per
ounce in the next six months, according to Johnson Matthey’s “Platinum
2011” report, released May 16.
The company further predicted the price of platinum will
average $1,870 an ounce in the next six
months, after averaging $1,762 during the six months that ended April 2011.
The company, which manufactures catalysts and chemicals used
in the refining of precious metals, cited “positive supply-demand fundamentals
and continuing global economic growth” for the continued price growth.
The price of palladium was also forecast to rise, with
Johnson Matthey predicting its price will average $825 in the new six months,
compared to an average of $762 in the six months that ended April 2011.
Other key figures from the report:
– Gross demand for platinum in 2010 increased by 16 percent
to 7.88 million ounces.
– Purchases of platinum for jewelry in 2010 fell by 14
percent to 2.42 million ounces, following an extremely strong 2009, due
in part to rising metal prices.
– Worldwide demand for palladium in jewelry last year fell
20 percent.
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