A major shock could be on its way which could dramatically change the gold price. In late November, a referendum in Switzerland could force the Swiss National Bank to hold far more gold reserves. Should there be be a ‘Yes’ vote, the so-called "gold initiative" would seek to stop all gold sales by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and require the central bank hold 20 percent of its assets in the precious metal. The Swiss Parliament and the SNB are against it, as this would stop their ability to freely print money and reduce its maneuverability in the market.
Saxo Bank's Head of Commodity Strategy, Ole Hansen explains that such an event would have a "huge" impact on the gold market. The SNB would have to buy thousands of tons of gold over the next three years, which could usher in significant levels of gold buying.