Gold prices remained firm on Monday, hovering just below record highs, as uncertainty over U.S. trade policies and interest rates kept safe-haven demand intact.
Key Price Movements (as of 00:35 ET / 05:35 GMT):
- Spot gold ↑ 0.6% to $2,901.21 per ounce
- Gold futures (April) ↑ 0.3% to $2,910.70 per ounce
Market Drivers: Safe Haven Demand vs. Tariff Delays
- Tariff Uncertainty & Gold’s Rally
- Gold hit multiple record highs over the past two weeks as President Trump’s tariff actions fueled risk aversion.
- However, Trump’s delay of certain tariffs has led to profit-taking, pulling gold from its peaks.
- Geopolitical Factors: Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
- Speculation over a Russia-Ukraine peace treaty has slightly dented safe-haven demand.
- Trump signaled that both nations are open to peace talks, which are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Outlook: Gold’s Near-Term Trend
- Lingering trade uncertainty and Fed rate expectations will continue to support gold’s bullish bias.
- Any escalation in geopolitical risks could drive fresh demand for safe-haven assets, potentially pushing gold back toward its record highs.
- Investors will watch U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve signals for further direction.