Worst is over for platinum, palladium prices, say traders

London

THERE's a growing feeling in the platinum and palladium market that the worst is over.

After dropping to the lowest in at least half a decade in January, prices have since rallied back into a bull market as the outlook for continued low US interest rates reignited the appeal of precious metals. The two commodities will climb about 20 per cent through the end of next year, partly on higher demand from carmakers, according to 12 traders and analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.