Gold and gold mining equities were standout performers in January 2014

Gold and gold mining equities were standout performers in January 2014. Stock markets round the world have pulled back, as tepid economic data, a flare up in emerging markets and the seeming indifference of the Federal Reserve to it all led to a 'risk off' mentality to start the year with markets down 3-5%. USD gold on the other hand (using London AM fixes), was up 3.7% for January, whilst AUD gold investors also benefitted from a weaker currency, recording a gain of over 5% for the month, with the AUD gold price now trading at $1419. Gold stock investors were even more handsomely rewarded, with GDX and GDXJ (two ETF's traded in North America which invest in baskets of gold miners and junior gold miners respectively) up 11.1% and 14% respectively, which is some outperformance over the broader equity market. More details here (VIEW LINK)