Audio By Carbonatix
Gold pierced through the psychological milestone of $3,000 an ounce on Friday for the first time, building on an historic rally as trade tensions and U.S. rate cut bets supercharge its appeal as a safe haven asset.
Spot gold was up 0.4% at $3,000.87 an ounce at 1015 GMT.
U.S. gold futures were up 0.7% to $3,013.60.
Bullion has scaled 13 all-time highs so far this year and is on track for a second straight week of gains.
"The precious metal still has an abundance of reasons to pursue higher prices, including geopolitical and economic concerns, along with the prospects of Fed rate cuts," said Han Tan, Exinity Group's chief market analyst.
U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have played a significant role in raising gold's demand. The global trade war that has roiled financial markets and raised recession fears is escalating, with Trump on Thursday threatening to slap a 200% tariff on alcohol imports from Europe.
SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed ETF, said its holdings were at 905.81 metric tons after reaching its highest level since August 2023 in late February.
Meanwhile, data on Wednesday showed U.S. consumer prices cooling more than analysts' expected, potentially creating more room for Federal Reserve rate cuts. The Fed's next meeting is on Wednesday, where it is widely expected to keep its benchmark overnight interest rate unchanged.
"Next week’s FOMC decision, along with Chair (Jerome) Powell’s signals, are set to dictate whether spot gold remains above or below $3k," said Tan.
Traders expect policymakers will resume cutting borrowing costs in June.
"We maintain our bullish stance on gold, with prices expected to reach a record high of $3,050 per ounce in 2025," analysts at ANZ noted.
Spot silver added 0.4% to $33.94 an ounce, platinum lost 0.5% to $989.04 and palladium gained 0.3% to $960.71.
Latest Stories
-
NSMQ 2026 : Boa Amponsem SHTS makes light work of rivals to reach nationals
33 minutes -
ORAL is still working and prosecuting corruption cases – Deputy AG
35 minutes -
Deputy AG alleges ‘deliberate campaign’ to misrepresent Adu-Boahene prosecution
42 minutes -
NSMQ 2026: Holy Child School returns to nationals after defeating Mankessim SHTS in tie-breaker
45 minutes -
The Circular economy: The missing layer in Ghana’s flood prevention strategy
51 minutes -
Abla Gomashie secures $3.5m Korean support for Ghana’s heritage
1 hour -
Man jailed 20 years for incest involving 17-year-old daughter in Upper West
1 hour -
Parliament cannot transfer Attorney-General’s prosecutorial powers through legislation – Deputy AG
2 hours -
Glasgow 2026: Amadu Mohammed targets medal after opening victory
2 hours -
Constitution must be amended to create independent prosecutorial authority – Deputy AG
2 hours -
High Court right to rule OSP Act cannot override Constitution – Dr Srem-Sai
3 hours -
OSP established under ordinary legislation, not constitutional amendment – Deputy AG
3 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Kumasi Academy storms back to nationals with commanding 63-point victory
3 hours -
NSMQ 2026: Nyakrom SHS secures second-ever NSMQ qualification as twin sisters steal spotlight in emotional qualifier
3 hours -
One Year On: Sneak peek inside Daddy Lumba’s final resting place
4 hours