Platinum Soars to 18-Year High
2025-12-17 05:58
By
Jam Kaimo Samonte
1 min. read
Platinum rallied above $1,930 per ounce, reaching its highest levels since 2008 as rising economic and policy uncertainty in the US drove investors toward alternative assets offering higher returns and diversification.
The delayed November US labor report showed the unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, the highest since 2021, even as payrolls rose more than expected.
Markets are pricing in roughly a 75% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged at its January meeting, little changed from before the data release.
Platinum prices have also been supported by supply-side concerns, with several mines in South Africa, the world’s largest producer, reporting weaker-than-expected output.
The World Platinum Investment Council forecasts a 2025 supply deficit of 69,200 ounces, marking a third consecutive annual shortfall, before the market is expected to move broadly into balance in 2026 with a modest surplus of around 20,000 ounces.