Shares in the gold sector are flying higher again today as investors continue to weigh in on the impact a Brexit will have on global markets.
Gold is often seen as a safe-haven during times of heightened uncertainty, which is exactly what the world is facing right now. Never before has a country left the European Union, so Britain's decision to do just that has left investors questioning what will happen next, and where is the safest place to store their money. It seems that many have concluded that gold is the answer.
One ounce of the shiny metal is now fetching just shy of US$1,330, although it did surge higher than that price on Friday while the votes were being counted. On a day where the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) plunged 3.2%, the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (Index: ^AXGD) (ASX: XGD) soared 9%. It's up another 1% today.
Shares across the sector are flexing their muscles as well. St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) shares have gained 7.2% to trade at $3.29, while Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) are up 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) is up 0.6% and Silver Lake Resources Limited. (ASX: SLR) shares are up 2%.
Of course, the gold sector has been a shining light for the local share market so far in 2016, benefiting from the uncertainty related to collapsing oil prices, fears of a hard-landing in China and now Brexit. No wonder gold is having one of its strongest years on record.
However, volatility will pass, and when it does, gold and other precious metals could be sold down once again. It could have further to run in the near-term, but long-term investors ought to consider the likelihood of outsized gains being sustained in the long-run, particularly after its strong performance so far this year.
