The Financial Post reports in its Friday, Sept. 2, edition that Standard & Poor's says in a new report that positive ratings actions in the gold sector are more likely in the next 12 months than they have been in several years. The Post's Jonathan Ratner writes in the Trading Desk column that S&P analyst Jarrett Bilous, however, tempered this optimistic outlook, noting that extensive upgrades are not expected across the sector globally. Mr. Bilous says, "In fact, we believe issuer credit profiles will remain highly sensitive to gold's historically volatile price and to foreign exchange rates." With gold prices near $1,300 -- not far off the multiyear lows achieved at the end of 2015, Mr. Bilous says he would not be surprised to see sharp moves in the future. He is also unsure what financial policies and operating strategies will change if gold prices remain at current levels, or rise in the year ahead. Nonetheless, S&P's higher price forecast for the precious metal, combined with an industry-wide focus on both debt and cost reduction, result in a stronger outlook, indicates Mr. Bilous.