Gold, silver extend record-breaking rallies as uncertainty persists

NEW YORK: Gold surged to a record high on Wednesday, with silver rising in its wake, as geopolitical and economic uncertainties drove investors toward safe-haven assets, while expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts added further momentum.

Spot gold was 0.7percent higher at USD4,619.73 per ounce by 11:08 a.m. ET (1608 GMT), after earlier hitting a record high of USD4,641.40. US gold futures for February delivery rose 0.6percent to USD4,626.40. “All roads are leading to gold and silver,” said Alex Ebkarian, COO at Allegiance Gold, citing demand from diverse buyers and noting the market is in a structural bull phase. Gold, which does not yield interest, typically performs well in periods of low interest rates and heightened uncertainty.

Iran warned neighbours hosting US troops it would strike American bases if Washington intervenes over protests in the country, while Danish and Greenlandic ministers will meet US Vice President JD Vance after President Donald Trump renewed demands for US control of Greenland.

Meanwhile, data showed US retail sales rose above expectations in November, while PPI met monthly forecasts but exceeded annual estimates, following weaker-than-expected December core CPI figures released on Tuesday. Traders continued to anticipate two interest rate cuts this year.

Concerns over Fed independence remained, as central bank chiefs from around the world lined up in support of Fed chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday, after the Trump administration threatened him with a criminal indictment.

Spot silver was up 5.6 percent to USD91.797 per ounce, after scaling a record high of USD92.23. “We anticipate some volatility, but I see silver at USD100 as no difference than at USD90. Our short-term forecast is between USD100 to USD144,” Ebkarian said, adding that metals are likely to maintain their upward trend through the first quarter.

Spot platinum climbed 2.9 percent to USD2,391.43 an ounce, palladium rose 0.4 percent to USD1,832.25 an ounce.