HSBC Holdings, one of the world's largest bullion banks, has...

HSBC Holdings, one of the world's largest bullion banks, has raised its 2011 gold price forecast to US$1,450 an ounce, citing expectations that investors will be attracted to the metal as a haven from risk.

The bank, which had previously forecast a gold price of US$1,425 an ounce, also lifted its silver price forecast to US$26 an ounce for 2011 from US$20, and said it expects the white metal to average US$20 an ounce, up from US$17.50.

In 2012 the bank expects gold prices to average US$1,300 an ounce, up from US$1,275 an ounce previously.
"We believe that gold will continue to attract safe-haven buying from risk-averse investors this year, as European Union sovereign debt concerns persist," the bank said in a note.

"The Federal Reserve is likely to continue with its programme of quantitative easing in 2011 to prevent deflation from taking root, while the pace of economic activity in the developing world will likely remain strong, igniting inflation fears."

Spot gold was bid at just above US$1,380 an ounce in early European trade last week, while silver was at around US$29.50.

The bank added that while it expects mine supply to edge higher this year, production hikes will be limited by declining ore grades, power constraints and a lack of suitable labour. Central banks are also likely to be net buyers of gold, it said.