GOLD (17 August 2000)
Signs are appearing that Asia is once again strengthening, with gold jewellery in high demand in the region. Thailand is leading the way with a 69 per cent second quarter increase on last year's corresponding quarter.

Malaysia's demand for jewellery increased 22 per cent, with overall gold imports at 4 tonnes and Taiwan was up 13 per cent with imports at 34 tonnes; however, figures are still down on pre-crisis levels and with the present weaker stock market, have tailed off since June.

In contrast, the Thai baht's stability against the US dollar has seen demand for gold as a currency hedge decrease by 72 per cent; however, in Taiwan, a government issue of 80,000 gold coins celebrating the inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian helped increase investment to 10 tonnes, an increase of 67 per cent on last year.

Continuing strong markets include Greater China, namely Hong Kong and China, and globally, investment demand for gold in the first half of the year was 187.8 tonnes.

gruss

le chat

PS.Der Flügelschlag des Schmetterlings der...... scheint in
Asien stattzufinden.

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