Introduction
Gold prices surged to a new all-time high of $3,429.83 per ounce on Monday, fueled by a weakening US dollar and growing economic uncertainty. Spot gold rose 2.7% to $3,418.89 by midday, while US gold futures gained nearly 3% to $3,423.30. This rally reflects heightened demand for the safe-haven asset amid geopolitical and monetary policy concerns.
Key Drivers Behind the Surge
- Dollar Weakness: The US dollar continues to decline as investor confidence wanes, exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s comments on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., warned that undermining the Fed’s independence could further erode trust in the dollar, driving capital into gold.
- Trade Tensions: Escalating US-China trade conflicts are adding to global economic uncertainty. China’s warnings against deals that compromise its interests, combined with anticipated gloomy forecasts from the International Monetary Fund, are pushing investors toward bullion as a hedge.
- Robust Demand: Gold has gained 27% since the start of 2025, with holdings in gold-backed ETFs rising for 12 consecutive weeks. Central banks are also stockpiling the metal, reinforcing worldwide demand.
Market Outlook and Analysis
Analysts are increasingly bullish on gold, with Goldman Sachs predicting prices could reach $4,000 by mid-next year. However, while the current momentum is strong, I believe caution is warranted. The rapid price increase—$700 in less than four months—raises questions about potential overvaluation. Additionally, any de-escalation in trade tensions or stabilization in US monetary policy could temper this rally. Investors should monitor upcoming economic data and policy developments closely, as these will likely influence gold’s trajectory.
Supporting Trends
Last week, gold surpassed $3,300 per ounce as the Sino-US tariff war intensified, and the metal has since gained another $100 in just days. This sustained upward trend underscores gold’s role as a reliable store of value during times of uncertainty.