The World Gold Council released its first quarter 2011
findings in Gold Investment Digest April 27, noting positive investor sentiment
toward gold and greater confidence in the timing of jewelry purchases
contributed to a strong quarterly performance.

The gold price rose by 2.4 percent during the first quarter to
$1,439 per ounce by March 31. Prices increased an average of 6.2 percent per
quarter over the past two years. Gold surpassed the $1,500 per ounce mark in
early April.

Gold remained one of the least volatile commodities in the
wider commodities mix, with an average of annualized volatility of only 13
percent, down from its historical 20-year average of 15.8 percent.

“Gold’s performance in quarter one 2011 was characterized by
continued concerns over the global economy, which have led investors to become
increasingly aware of gold’s qualities as a preserver of wealth,” Juan Carlos
Artigas, investment research manager at the World Gold Council, said in a
statement.

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