StoneX Group CEO Philip Smith on Gold Market Volatility
22 February 2025 - 3:00AM
Amid growing uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policies and concerns
surrounding gold market volatility, physical gold flows, and
pricing disparities, Philip Smith, Chief Executive, StoneX Group,
recently appeared on Sky News Arabia’s morning business segment
sharing his insights on the subject.
Smith also pointed to a major pricing disconnect
between New York futures contracts and the London OTC physical
market. He believes that the major disconnect—ranging from $25 to
$30 an ounce, compared to the December high of $60—has been
affecting the market’s overall efficiency. This divergence is
fueled by a lack of clarity from the new administration over
tariffs.
Smith also noted a significant surge in physical
gold moving into the United States over the past two months. “What
we’ve seen in the past 7, 8 weeks in the market was probably one of
the largest physical movements of gold from all over the world into
the US. We estimate over 2,000 tons,” he stated.
When asked about his forecast on gold, Smith
remained cautious about making firm predictions. He explained that
the existing price discrepancies between New York and London are
unlikely to narrow until there is greater clarity on the tariff
policies from the Trump administration.
Smith believes that the ongoing ambiguity
surrounding tariffs is exerting a “disproportionate and distorting
effect on gold prices.” He stressed that once certainty is
established, gold markets can revert to normal fundamentals,
allowing for greater price stability and more predictable trading
conditions.
This perspective aligns with recent analysis
from Fawad Razaqzada, UK Market Analyst for StoneX, who noted that
Trump’s “aggressive fiscal policies and protectionist stance may
fuel inflationary pressures, which could prompt further delays in
the Federal Reserve’s rate cut. Any delay in monetary easing would,
in turn, support bond yields, creating headwinds for gold.”
From a StoneX standpoint, Smith remains
optimistic. “We’re all seeing a very good position to be able to
facilitate others who are struggling to bring gold into the United
States,” he stated. StoneX’s Precious Metals division provides a
comprehensive suite of gold services, including physical trading,
financial derivatives, vaulting, and storage. Smith believes that
StoneX is well-positioned to support large banks and financial
institutions that lack direct access to physical gold, helping them
navigate uncertainties related to tariffs and market
disruptions.
About StoneX Group Inc.
StoneX Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates a global
financial services network that connects companies, organizations,
traders and investors to the global market ecosystem through a
unique blend of digital platforms, end-to-end clearing and
execution services, high touch service and deep expertise. The
Company strives to be the one trusted partner to its clients,
providing its network, product and services to allow them to pursue
trading opportunities, manage their market risks, make investments
and improve their business performance. A Fortune 100 company
headquartered in New York City and listed on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market (NASDAQ:SNEX), StoneX Group Inc. and its more than
4,500 employees serve more than 54,000 commercial, institutional,
and payments clients, and more than 400,000 retail accounts, from
more than 80 offices spread across six continents. Further
information on the Company is available at www.stonex.com.
SNEX-G
Contact: Mia Porter, VP of Marketing for EMEA, at mia.porter@stonex.com
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