There has been little clear trend in precious metals prices in recent trading, with the markets recovering when they look the most bearish and stalling when they look the most bullish.

While sentiment is so strong, it would be foolish to fight the trend in prices.

The rand, as a commodity-based currency, should benefit from the surge in precious metals' prices as it has in recent times.

Speculators and investors have the precious metals market in their tight grip and are just forcing prices higher.

Life should be like the precious metals, weigh much in little bulk

What seems more likely is that the markets, having enjoyed an almost uninterrupted rally since last summer, have been looking for an excuse to take a breather and consolidate the gains.