Gold prices skyrocketed in Asian markets Tuesday, breaching historic levels near $3,500 per ounce. The surge, triggered by global economic uncertainty, reflects a growing demand for safe-haven assets amid intensifying U.S.-China trade tensions and mounting political pressure on the Federal Reserve.
Spot gold rose 1.7% to $3,482.76 per ounce by 00:27 ET (04:27 GMT), while June Gold Futures advanced 1.9% to $3,491.20. This follows a 3% rally on Monday and marks the fourth consecutive day of record-setting gains.
The rally is being driven by three primary forces:
- Geopolitical instability: Global tensions continue to push investors toward safe assets.
- Central bank purchases: Global central banks added over 1,000 tons of gold to their reserves in 2024, according to the World Gold Council.
- Inflation fears: Persistent inflation remains a top concern, especially as monetary policy outlooks remain uncertain.
Fed Tensions Undermine Market Confidence
Investor anxiety intensified after President Donald Trump hinted at major structural changes to the Federal Reserve. On Friday, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed that Trump’s team is exploring legal avenues to dismiss Fed Chair Jerome Powell—a move seen as a direct challenge to the central bank’s independence.
Trump reiterated his call for aggressive interest rate cuts, claiming the economy could lose momentum without swift action. Meanwhile, Powell stated the Fed sees no immediate need for a rate cut due to the inflationary impact of ongoing tariffs.
This political pressure has deepened market unease, contributing to a weaker dollar and bolstering gold’s appeal. On Monday, the U.S. dollar index sank to its lowest point in three years.
Key Reactions:
- The Fed’s credibility is under scrutiny.
- Currency markets remain volatile.
- Investors are fleeing to tangible assets like gold.
Trade Tensions Add Fuel to the Fire
The latest escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions also played a significant role in gold’s rally. Beijing issued a stark warning against nations aligning with U.S. trade policy, accusing Washington of economic coercion via punitive tariffs.
In 2024, the U.S. imposed tariffs up to 145% on Chinese imports, prompting immediate retaliatory measures. The standoff has shaken global supply chains and intensified investor caution.
Other Market Highlights:
- Silver Futures: Up 0.8% to $32.795/oz
- Platinum Futures: Rose 1% to $976.10/oz
- Copper Futures (London): Climbed 1% to $9,311.60/ton
With both monetary and trade dynamics in flux, gold’s role as a safe-haven asset appears stronger than ever.
