BetaShares cautions investors on impact of currency on gold performance

July 19, 2011 - PRLog -- SYDNEY, 19 July 2011: The strong correlation between gold prices and the Australian dollar has impacted unhedged gold exposures which have consistently under-performed hedged gold exposures historically, analysis by BetaShares shows.
For example, while spot gold prices surged 74% in the period December 2008 through end May 2011, unhedged spot gold returned only 14%. This is because a rise in the value of the Australian dollar eliminated much of the benefit of the rising value of gold (which is priced in US dollars).

Drew Corbett, Head of Investment Strategy & Distribution at BetaShares said that while gold demand is currently at unprecedented levels, many investors do not realise that a historical relationship exists between the price of gold bullion and the Australian dollar.
“By analysing the movements in the gold spot price and the AUD/USD exchange rate we have found that, generally speaking, over the last 3 decades, when the price of gold bullion has risen so too has the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar,” he said.

“Gold is widely regarded as a currency in its own right and thus, during times of US dollar weakness, gold often increases in value as many investors choose to own gold rather than US dollars. Similarly, the Australian dollar is also likely to strengthen during times of US dollar weakness. In addition, Australia’s role as a major producer of gold and other commodities means the Australian dollar is seen globally as a “commodity currency”. Accordingly, strengthening prices for commodities (including gold) have a tendency to push the local currency higher.”

“The tendency for gold and the Australian dollar to move together has negatively affected local investors with unhedged exposures to gold. At BetaShares, we recognised this relationship and listed the first currency hedged gold ETF on the market,” said Mr Corbett. “If the US spot price of gold rises 10%, investors in the BetaShares ETF can expect a 10% gain, too, before fees and expenses.”

The listing of BetaShares A$ hedged gold ETF comes at a time of increased demand for gold as the European debt crisis lingers. In a survey conducted at the 17th Annual Reserve Management for Sovereign Institutions hosted by UBS in June, 34% of the largest money managers in the world believed gold would be the best performing asset class for the remainder of 2011.

“If an investor has a bullish view on gold, it is our view that investors should look for pure exposure to gold which necessarily involves hedging the currency” Mr Corbett concluded.
Further information can be found at www.betashares.com.au and www.asx.com.au.

Media inquiries:
Yolanda Beattie
Honner Media
Yolanda@honnermedia.com.au
+61 2 8248 3744
+61 450 327 785   

Drew Corbett
BetaShares
drew.corbett@betashares.com.au
+61 2 9290 6803

About BetaShares
BetaShares is a specialist provider of ETFs designed for Australian investors. BetaShares’ objective is to expand the universe of investment possibilities open to investors by providing ETFs that empower investors to implement their investment strategies with ease.

About BetaShares ETFs
BetaShares ETFs are Australian domiciled ETFs which trade on the Australian Securities Exchange, and are bought and sold by investors like shares. BetaShares will deliver ETF products that allow investors to track the performance of a range of market indices and asset classes.

Australian-owned and managed, BetaShares is affiliated with BetaPro Management, one of the largest ETF issuers in North America.

This information has been prepared by BetaShares Capital Ltd (ACN 139 566 868 AFS License 341181) (“BetaShares”). This is general information only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor so it may not be appropriate for you. Before making an investment decision investors should consider the product disclosure statement (‘PDS’) for BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF (A$ Hedged), and their circumstances and obtain financial advice. The PDS is available at www.betashares.com.au or by calling 1300 487 577. Only investors who are authorised as trading participants under the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Market Rules may invest through this PDS. Other investors may buy units in the Fund on the ASX through a stockbroker, financial adviser or online broker. This document does not constitute an offer of, or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for securities.
An investment in the BetaShares ETFs is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested. Neither BetaShares nor BetaShares Holdings Pty Ltd guarantees the performance of the ETFs or the repayment of capital or any particular rate of return. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. This information was prepared in good faith and to the extent permitted by law BetaShares accepts no liability for any errors or omissions or loss from reliance on any of it.

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BetaShares is a specialist provider of ETFs dedicated to delivering products that meet specific investor needs.