Like a Thunderbolt From a Clear Sky
Germany's decision to relocate its gold reserves from New York and Paris to Frankfurt am Main was first announced in early 2013 and was perceived as a bolt out of the blue. Hitherto, the Germans kept only 31 percent of their own gold on their soil, while the rest was located abroad, primarily in the US, Britain and France. The decision of the Bundesbank was seen by many as undermining the foundations that formed within the last few decades.
Possible Explanations
However, later representatives of the Bundesbank declared that they did not plan to exchange any part of the gold reserves for money.
One of the most widespread hypotheses explaining Germany's sudden decision to quickly repatriate its gold back to the country was the assumption that Germany was considering giving up the euro and returning to its national currency.
In this case, experts argued, gold would be very useful: it would help to stabilize the new currency and protect it from speculators and market volatility.
Fear of the Future
The overwhelming majority of reserves in central banks of developed countries are invested in gold.
Experts argued that German gold repatriation indicates the fact that the global economic system is far from stable.
The rise of the Chinese economy, chronic financial and economic problems in the EU, the slowdown in the growth of world trade and the general criticism of globalization, as well as Brexit and Donald Trump's presidency have caused anxiety amongst investors who are increasingly turning to traditional economic values proven by time. And there is hardly something more traditional and reliable than gold.
