Gold supported by strong Asian demand, Q4 price forecast at $1875: Barclays

Strong physical Gold demand from Asia amidst the backdrop of European debt crisis is expected to average gold prices at around $1875/ounce, says Barclays Capital in a research report. $1600 levels may prove to be a strong support and cushion from which prices might shoot up.

- Moody's, Fitch and Standard and Poor have downgraded and/or warned of future downgrades of several european countries. Bullish (for precious metals).

-the US September employment report was overall positive and suggest resilience of the US labour market. Bearish

-Bank of England will expand its asset repurchase program by 75 billion pounds as part of its market stimulation initiatives. Bullish

-CFTC data for October 3rd shows that speculative positions rose for first time after three weeks of consecutive net reductions. Bullish

-Freeport McMoRan's Grasberg mine in Indonesia is under strike from Union workers till November 15 causing an irreplaceable output loss of 5Koz per day. The strike, which started on September 15, is estimated to cause a total production loss of 300Koz (around 10 tonnes)

Gold is expected to trade in a range. Prices may benefit from a general up trend in commodities as risk appetite returns. Medium term trend is expected to remain bullish. Support $1595/$1580 and Resistance at $1705/$1680.

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