Gold Rises Above $3,100 for First Time as U.S. Levies Boost Havens

Gold opened the week at a fresh record high, with U.S. President Donald Trump signaling another round of tariffs, sparking concerns about a potential global trade war. Bullion gained nearly 1% to reach $3,115 an ounce, breaking its previous all-time high set just a week prior. The rally was fueled by growing demand for safe-haven assets amid a risk-off market mood. Traders were bracing for potential reciprocal tariffs from the White House, which could further weigh on markets.

An attendee arranges Gold bars, part of the Czech National Bank's reserves in Prague, Czech Republic, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Gold’s recent record-breaking run has been broadly supported by haven demand, amid concern and increasing confusion over US President Donald Trumps plan to enact sweeping tariffs.

Gold has surged this year, climbing 18% so far, supported by central-bank buying and heightened uncertainty in geopolitical and macroeconomic landscapes. Despite this, the metal has seen its prices held steady despite traders cutting their bets on the Federal Reserve easing U.S. interest rates. Lower rates tend to benefit non-yielding bullion, contributing to its resilience.

Several major banks have raised their price targets for gold, with Goldman Sachs now forecasting spot gold to reach $3,300 an ounce by year-end. The lender highlighted higher-than-expected central bank demand and strong inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as drivers of the rally. Spot gold was trading at $3,111.44 an ounce at 1:35 p.m. in Singapore, with the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slightly easing.

Silver, platinum, and palladium also saw gains, reflecting broader commodities strength. Investors are closely monitoring the evolving trade tensions and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy to gauge potential market developments.